U.S. patent application number 13/819627 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for mannequin, method and system for purchase, making and alteration of clothing.
This patent application is currently assigned to CLONNEQUIN PTY LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is Gennady Volchek. Invention is credited to Gennady Volchek.
Application Number | 20130238285 13/819627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45722758 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130238285 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Volchek; Gennady |
September 12, 2013 |
MANNEQUIN, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PURCHASE, MAKING AND ALTERATION OF
CLOTHING
Abstract
A mannequin, method and system for facilitating making, altering
and/or purchasing clothing by a user. The mannequin includes: a
body that substantially resembles that of a prospective user of
clothing and/or adornments, the body including an outer contour; a
plurality of sensors attached to the body, for providing one or
more quantitative indications of performance of the clothing and/or
adornments fitted to the mannequin; and a data transmission
interface connected to the sensors operable to transmit the one or
more quantitative indications of performance of the clothing and/or
adornments.
Inventors: |
Volchek; Gennady;
(Melbourne, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Volchek; Gennady |
Melbourne |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
CLONNEQUIN PTY LTD
Melbourne
AU
|
Family ID: |
45722758 |
Appl. No.: |
13/819627 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2011/001117 |
371 Date: |
May 29, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/188 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41H 5/01 20130101; A47F
8/00 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/188 |
International
Class: |
A41H 5/01 20060101
A41H005/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 27, 2010 |
AU |
2010903837 |
Claims
1. A mannequin including: a body that substantially resembles that
of a prospective user of clothing and or adornments, the body
including an outer contour; a plurality of sensors attached to the
body, for providing one or more quantitative, indications of
performance of the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the
mannequin, and a data transmission interface connected to the
sensors operable to transmit the one or more quantitative
indications of performance or comfort of the clothing and/or
adornments.
2. A mannequin according to claim 1, wherein the quantitative
indications of the performance or comfort of the clothing and/or
adornments fitted to the mannequin include one or more of an
indication of pressure, air flow, body heat, fabric softness,
clothing transparency, material stress, the extent to which fabric
is stretched, and clothing and/or adornment integrity.
3. A mannequin according to claim 1, wherein the outer body contour
is defined over at least part of the body by a plurality of
adjustable devices that are operable to cause the mannequin to
replicate one or more outer body contours of the user.
4. A mannequin according to claim 3, further including a data
reception interface for receiving measurements of the user, the
measurements associated with the one or more outer body contours of
the user; a processor for transforming the received measurements to
signals receivable by the plurality of adjustable devices, wherein
upon receiving the signals, the plurality of adjustable devices are
activated and/or controlled to adopt a position that causes the
mannequin to replicate one or more outer body contours of the
user.
5. A mannequin according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of
adjustable devices include movable pistons, and the plurality of
sensors measure the force applied to the one or more of the movable
pistons replicating the one or more outer body contours of the user
by the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the mannequin.
6. A mannequin according to claim 5, wherein the one or more
movable pistons are activated hydraulically or pneumatically or
electromagnetically or driven by motors or springs, and the force
applied to movable pistons by the article of clothing or adornment
is measured by one or more pressure sensors.
7. A system for making, altering and/or purchasing clothing for, or
by, a customer, the system including: a mannequin including: a body
that substantially resembles that of a prospective user of clothing
and/or adornments, the body including an outer contour; a plurality
of sensors attached to the body, for providing one or more
quantitative indications of performance of the clothing and/or
adornments fitted to the mannequin, and a data interface connected
to the sensors operable to transmit the one or more quantitative
indications of performance of the clothing and/or adornments; and a
presentation module, for generating a graphical representation of
the quantitative indications of performance of the clothing and/or
the adornments fitted to the mannequin.
8. A system according to claim 7, further including: a reception
interface, for receiving measurements of the user, the measurements
associated with the one or more outer body contours of the user; a
processor for transforming the received measurements to signals
receivable by the plurality of adjustable devices, wherein upon
receiving the signals, the plurality of adjustable devices adopt a
position that causes the mannequin to replicate one or more outer
body contours of the user.
9. A system according to claim 7, further including a data
transmission interface for transmitting the graphical
representation of the quantitative indications.
10. A system according to claim 7, wherein the graphical
representation of the quantitative indications includes a coded
overlay on a graphic image.
11. A system according to claim 7, wherein the graphic image
includes one of a photographic image of the clothing fitted to the
mannequin.
12. A system according to claim 7, wherein the graphical
representation includes regions of differential transparency,
regions of differential coloured shading and/or regions of
differential brightness.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the graphical
representation includes regions of differential transparency and
regions of differential coloured shading, wherein the coloured
shading indicates a type of quantitative indication and the
transparency indicates a magnitude of the quantitative
indication.
14. A method of facilitating making, altering and/or purchasing
clothing by a user, the method including: providing an adjustable
mannequin including: a body that substantially resembles that of a
prospective user of clothing and/or adornments, the body including
an outer contour; a plurality of sensors attached to the outer
contour of body, for providing one or more quantitative indications
of performance of the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the
mannequin, and a data transmission interface connected to the
sensors operable to transmit the one or more quantitative
indications of performance of the clothing and/or adornments;
fitting the mannequin with the clothing and/or adornments;
receiving, via a data interface, the quantitative indications from
the mannequin; and providing the user, via a data interface, a
graphical representation of the quantitative indications.
15. A method according to claim 14, further including: receiving,
via a data interface, outer physical dimensions of the prospective
user of clothing and/or adornments; adjusting the mannequin
according to the received outer physical dimensions; wherein the
mannequin includes a plurality of adjustable devices that are
operable to adjust their physical dimensions to replicate one or
more outer body contours of the user.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the physical dimensions
of the prospective user include one or more of a height of the
prospective s and a length or width of a body part of the
prospective user.
17. A method according claim 14, further including: generating, on
a processor and from the quantitative indications of performance,
an indication of the fit of clothing and/or adornments; and
providing, via a data interface, the indication to the user.
18. A method according to claim 14, further including: receiving,
via a data interface, one or more preferences of the prospective
user of clothing and/or adornments; and adjusting the graphical
representation and/or the quantitative indications according to the
one or more preferences.
19. A method according to claim 14, wherein the clothing includes
any one or more of a shirt, a blouse, a dress, a skirt, a vest, a
jumper, a jacket, pants, a suit, shoes, a hat or gloves, and the
adornments include any one or more of a watch, a scarf, a bracelet,
an anklet, a necklace, a fascinator or a girdle.
20. A method according to claim 14, further including: adjusting
the mannequin to a new position; receiving, via a data interface,
further quantitative indications from the mannequin regarding the
fit of clothing and/or adornments; and providing the user, via a
data interface, a graphical representation of the further
quantitative indications, corresponding to the mannequins new
position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a mannequin, method and
system of facilitating the making, altering and/or purchase of
clothing and/or adornments. In particular, the system and method
involves use of a mannequin with sensors and/or mechanisms to
provide one or more quantitative indicators of fit and/or
comfort.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] When purchasing clothing using an on-line shopping system
such as Amazon.com for example, items are typically chosen by their
two dimensional appearance alone. In contrast, when purchasing
clothing in retail outlets, items of clothing are displayed on
mannequins. Unfortunately, mannequins used in most retail
environments typically replicate the body shape of tall, slim and
athletic male and female human beings. In the online environment,
items are chosen from static images on web pages and typically, the
size of clothing is selected from a drop down list that allows a
choice of size according to present sizing practices.
[0003] Choosing clothing based on clothing size indicators alone
often results in ill fitting or worse, plainly unsuitable and even
unwearable clothing. The waste of time, money and materials is not
merely an economic problem but also a sustainability problem.
[0004] More often than not, when choosing clothing based on
clothing size indicators, items which may have appeared desirable
when viewed on mannequins and on-line images do not appear as
desirable when the clothes are received and the customer has more
time and greater resources to judge whether they have chosen the
right article to suit their body shape and taste. Both in the real
world and on-line environments it is difficult for a customer to
obtain a realistic view of how they would feel in an item of
clothing and how the clothing will fit. Factors such as comfort are
virtually impossible to determine based upon viewing a mannequin
and/or on-line images.
[0005] This problem is exacerbated by sizing variations, styles
variations, variation in materials, etc. between countries,
clothing manufacturers, and even in a manufacturer's own range of
clothing. An improved method of choosing clothing is required.
[0006] Similar problems occur when making or altering clothing. If
the customer is not present during the process of making or
altering the clothing, it is difficult to ensure that the clothing
fits well and is comfortable.
[0007] Any discussion of the prior art in this specification is
included for the purpose of providing background and should not be
interpreted as an admission that such prior art is widely known or
forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only, or
indeed the broadest aspect, the invention provides a mannequin
including:
[0009] a body that substantially resembles that of a prospective
user of clothing and/or adornments, the body including an outer
contour;
[0010] a plurality of sensors attached to the body, for providing
one or more quantitative indications of performance of the clothing
and/or adornments fitted to the mannequin, and
[0011] a data transmission interface connected to the sensors
operable to transmit the one or more quantitative indications of
performance of the clothing and/or adornments.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the quantitative indications of
the performance of the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the
mannequin include one or more of an indication of pressure, air
flow, body heat, fabric softness, clothing transparency, material
stress, the extent to which fabric is stretched, and clothing
and/or adornment integrity.
[0013] According to another embodiment, the outer body contour is
defined over at least part of the body by a plurality of adjustable
devices that are operable to cause the mannequin to replicate one
or more outer body contours of the user.
[0014] According to yet another embodiment, the mannequin further
includes:
[0015] a data reception interface for receiving measurements of the
user, the measurements associated with the one or more outer body
contours of the user; and
[0016] a processor for transforming the received measurements to
signals receivable by the plurality of adjustable devices,
[0017] wherein upon receiving the signals, the plurality of
adjustable devices are activated and/or controlled to adopt a
physical position that causes the mannequin to replicate one or
more outer body contours of the user.
[0018] The plurality of adjustable devices may include movable
pistons, and the plurality of sensors may measure the force applied
to the one or more of the movable pistons replicating the one or
more outer body contours of the user by an article of clothing or
adornment fitted to the mannequin.
[0019] The one or more movable pistons are activated hydraulically
or pneumatically, and the force applied to movable pistons by the
article of clothing or adornment is measured by one or more
hydraulic or pneumatic pressure sensors. Alternatively, the
adjustable devices may include removable pistons actuated by
electromagnetic means or driven by an electric motor.
[0020] According to another aspect, the invention provides a system
for making, altering and/or purchasing clothing for or by a
customer, the system including:
[0021] a mannequin including: [0022] a body that substantially
resembles that of a prospective user of clothing and or adornments,
the body including an outer contour; [0023] a plurality of sensors
attached to the body, for providing one or more quantitative
indications of performance of the clothing and/or adornments fitted
to the mannequin, and [0024] a data interface connected to the
sensors operable to transmit the one or more quantitative
indications of performance of the clothing and/or adornments;
and
[0025] a presentation module, for generating a graphical
representation of the quantitative indications of performance of
the clothing and/or the adornments fitted to the mannequin.
[0026] According to an embodiment, the system further includes:
[0027] a reception interface, for receiving measurements of the
user, the measurements associated with the one or more outer body
contours of the user; and
[0028] a processor for transforming the received measurements to
signals receivable by the plurality of adjustable devices,
[0029] wherein upon receiving the signals, the plurality of
adjustable devices adopt a physical position that causes the
mannequin to replicate one or more outer body contours of the
user.
[0030] According to another embodiment, the system further includes
a data transmission interface for transmitting the graphical
representation of the quantitative indications.
[0031] The graphical representation of the quantitative indications
may include a coded overlay on a graphic image. The graphic image
may include one of a photographic image of the clothing fitted to
the mannequin. The graphical representation may include regions of
differential transparency, regions of differential coloured shading
and/or regions of differential brightness.
[0032] According to an embodiment, the graphical representation
includes regions of differential transparency and regions of
differential coloured shading, wherein the coloured shading
indicates a type of quantitative indication and the transparency
indicates a magnitude of the quantitative indication.
[0033] According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a
method of facilitating making, altering and/or purchasing clothing
by a user, the method including:
[0034] providing an adjustable mannequin including: [0035] a body
that substantially resembles that of a prospective user of clothing
and/or adornments, the body including an outer contour; [0036] a
plurality of sensors attached to the outer contour of body, for
providing one or more quantitative indications of performance of
the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the mannequin, and [0037]
a data transmission interface connected to the sensors operable to
transmit the one or more quantitative indications of performance of
the clothing and/or adornments;
[0038] fitting the mannequin with the clothing and/or
adornments;
[0039] receiving, via a data interface, the quantitative
indications from the mannequin; and
[0040] providing the user, via a data interface, a graphical
representation of the quantitative indications.
[0041] According to an embodiment, the method further includes:
[0042] receiving, via a data interface, outer physical dimensions
of the prospective user of clothing and/or adornments;
[0043] adjusting the mannequin according to the received outer
physical dimensions;
[0044] wherein the mannequin includes a plurality of adjustable
devices that are operable to adjust their physical dimensions to
replicate one or more outer body contours of the user. The physical
dimensions of the prospective user may include one or more of a
height of the prospective user, and a length or width of a body
part of the prospective user.
[0045] According to another embodiment, the method further
includes:
[0046] generating, on a processor and from the quantitative
indications of performance, an indication of the fit of clothing
and/or adornments; and
[0047] providing, via a data interface, the indication to the
user.
[0048] According to another embodiment, the method further
includes:
[0049] receiving, via a data interface, one or more preferences of
the prospective user of clothing and/or adornments; and
[0050] adjusting the graphical representation and/or the
quantitative indications according to the one or more
preferences.
[0051] The clothing may include any one or more of a shirt, a
blouse, a dress, a skirt, a vest, a jumper, a jacket, pants, a
suit, shoes, a hat or gloves, and the adornments may include any
one or more of a watch, a scarf, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace,
a fascinator or a girdle.
[0052] According to yet another embodiment, the method further
includes:
[0053] adjusting the mannequin to a new position;
[0054] receiving, via a data interface, further quantitative
indications from the mannequin regarding the fit of the clothing
and/or adornments; and
[0055] providing the user, via a data interface, a graphical
representation of the further quantitative indications
corresponding to the mannequins new position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a
person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical
effect, embodiments of the invention are described below by way of
example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0057] FIG. 1 illustrates a mannequin according to en embodiment of
the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a system for the making, alteration
and/or purchase of clothing for or by a customer;
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation of
quantitative indications of performance of clothing according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a mannequin according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a mannequin according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates the mannequin of FIG. 5 including a
sleeved shirt;
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of facilitating the making,
alteration and/or purchase of clothing by a user, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate progressively how the movable piston
sensors 22 move from a retracted position inside the mannequin of
FIG. 1 to a different extended position outside the mannequin
depending on the input shape of the customer;
[0065] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the torso of a
still further mannequin embodiment 10c; and
[0066] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a computer system
with which the present invention may be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0067] Embodiments of the present invention include a mannequin,
method and system of facilitating the making, altering and/or
purchase of clothing and/or adornments. Elements of the invention
are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing
only those specific details that are necessary for understanding
the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter
the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to a
skilled reader.
[0068] The skilled reader will realise that in being able to fit an
appropriately sized mannequin with one or more articles of clothing
and/or adornments and measuring the performance of the clothing
and/or adornments, a user is provided with detailed information
regarding how well the clothing or adornments the user. This is
achieved by placing a number of sensors on the mannequin that
collect data from the mannequin.
[0069] Where the mannequin is located in-store, the customer may
request the fitment of an article of clothing to the mannequin so
that they may directly view a graphical representation of the
performance of the clothing. Alternatively, where the mannequin is
located remotely from the customer, the customer may be provided
with images of the article of clothing fitted to the mannequin,
overlaid with performance data.
[0070] Future developments in technology may provide improvements
in relation to sensors and the manner in which measurements are
made by the mannequin, or in relation to the manner in which
customers view the performance data of the actual article of
clothing on the mannequin. The invention should not be considered
to be restricted to only those methods presently available for
sensing and providing images.
[0071] The mannequin may represent an entire human body, or a part
of a human body, such as an arm, a hand, a foot, etc, the body. The
mannequin may represent a part of the body of an animal, or any
other suitable body. For conciseness, however, the following
description refers only to mannequins replicating a human body,
however a skilled reader could easily adapt the embodiments to suit
another type of suitable body.
[0072] The clothing may include, for example, a shirt, a blouse, a
dress, a skirt, a vest, a jumper, a jacket, pants, a suit, shoes, a
hat, gloves and/or other fashion accessories. The adornments may
include, for example, a watch, a scarf, a bracelet, an anklet, a
necklace, a horse saddle, a fascinator and/or a girdle. For
conciseness, the following description refers only to clothing,
however a skilled reader could easily adapt the embodiments to suit
another type of adornment.
[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates a mannequin 10a according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the mannequin
10a includes a torso 12 in the form of an elongated elliptical
cylinder, and a neck 14, arms 18 and legs 18 each being in the form
of elongated cylinders. A head portion 20 is also disposed above
the neck 14. The mannequin 10a replicates in a very basic form a
human body.
[0074] The body of a prospective user of clothing is replicated by
adjusting the length of the torso 12, neck 14, and the length of
each limb 18, 18. In this regard, each of the body parts 12, 14,
18, 18 is made to be extendible and lockable at desired positions.
For example, if details such as a customer's height, torso and
waist dimensions, arm length, leg length, etc. are known, then the
mannequin 10a can be adjusted to these dimensions.
[0075] The mannequin 10a includes a plurality of movable piston
sensors 22 disposed on each of the torso 12, neck 14, arms 16 and
legs 18. The movable piston sensors 22 are adapted to extend
outwardly from each body part 12, 14, 18, 18, and also to be
retracted again to their original position so that the process can
be repeated. The movable piston sensors 22 include sensors for
providing one or more quantitative indications of performance of
the clothing and/or adornments fitted to the mannequin 10a.
[0076] The movable piston sensors 22 measure a force exerted on the
movable piston 22 by clothing fitted to the mannequin. The movable
piston sensors 22 are initially positioned such that they replicate
one or more outer body contours of the user. When clothing is
applied to the mannequin 10a, especially if the clothing is tight,
a force is applied to the movable piston sensors 22. The applied
force may be used to determine the tightness of the clothing.
[0077] In an embodiment, the movable piston sensors 22 exert an
opposing force to any articles of clothing or adornments fitted to
the mannequin 10a. The opposing force replicates the opposing force
that would be applied by the user's skin or muscle tissue to the
articles of clothing or adornments. By exerting an opposing force
consistent with the opposing force that would be exerted by the
user's body, the movable piston sensors 22 ensure that the
appearance of the mannequin, and the pressure readings of the
movable piston sensors 22, are consistent with the appearance and
pressure of the clothing when fitted to the user.
[0078] Once clothing is applied to the mannequin 10a, the mannequin
10a is adjusted according to a customer's dimensions by the movable
piston sensors 22. The movable piston sensors 22 advantageously
have an upper pressure threshold in order to avoid damaging
clothing that is too small. Otherwise, the pressure required to
replicate the outer body contours of the user, when the clothing is
applied, is measured.
[0079] The mannequin 10a further includes a data transmission
interface, connected to the movable piston sensors 22, operable to
transmit the one or more quantitative indications of performance of
the clothing of the sensors. The data transmission interface may
transmit the pressure of all of the movable piston sensors 22
individually and without transformation. Alternatively, the
mannequin 10a may include data transformation capabilities, which
enable data from multiple movable piston sensors 22 to be
transmitted together, or alternatively provide a filtered or
transformed version of the pressures.
[0080] The data transmission interface may include any suitable
data transmission interface including raw data transfer, and data
transfer using protocols such as TCP/IP, or similar.
[0081] The movement and sensing of the movable piston sensors 22
may be achieved using any suitable known means and may use
electrical actuators, or accurate servo motors. The movable piston
sensors 22 may be telescopic such that extension and/or retraction
of a movable piston sensor 22 only alters the physical location of
one end of the movable piston 22.
[0082] The plurality of movable piston sensors 22 are disposed at a
density that allows the movable piston sensors 22 to both replicate
one or more curves and/or one or more contours along the length of
each body part 12, 14, 18, 18 and accurately sense a performance of
a body part on the one or more curves and/or one or more
contours.
[0083] For example, the movable piston sensors 22 in the legs 18
can be extended and/or retracted to replicate the outer body
contour of a customer's calf, knee and/or thigh region, and thus
accurately sense a pressure corresponding to the clothing on the
customer's calf, knee and/or thigh region. The movable piston
sensors 22 of the torso 12 can similarly be extended and retracted
to replicate and sense pressure on the outer body contour of a
customer's buttocks, lower back, upper back, underarm area,
shoulders, abdomen and/or chest region. The movable piston sensors
22 of the arms 18 may be extended and/or retracted to replicate and
sense pressure on the outer body contour of a customer's forearm,
elbow and/or upper arm. The movable piston sensors 22 of a bicep,
pectoral, abdomen, buttock, quadriceps and/or neck panel 24 may be
extended and or retracted to replicate and sense pressure on an
outer body contour of a customer's bicep, pectoral, abdomen,
buttock, quadriceps and/or neck.
[0084] Persons skilled in the relevant field of technology will
appreciate that the sensors and/or the adjustable devices may
operate hydraulically and/or pneumatically, for example, to define
the outer body contour of the mannequin 10a and to measure applied
pressure. Other technology, such as springs may be used to measure
a pressure and/or define an outer body contour. Similarly the
sensors and the adjustable devices may be separate. For example,
the sensors may be place on the adjustable devices, or adjacent to
the adjustable devices.
[0085] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the plurality of
adjustable devices include inflatable bladder sensors that are used
to adjust the outer body contour of the mannequin 10a to resemble
that of a customer and to accurately sense a pressure. In one
particular embodiment, a combination of movable piston sensors 22
and inflatable bladder sensors is used and the two types of devices
are used to define the outer body contour of the mannequin 10a for
different parts of a body.
[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for the making, alteration
and/or purchase of clothing for or by a customer.
[0087] The system 200 includes the mannequin 10a and a computer
205. The computer 205 includes a reception interface, for receiving
measurements of the user, in the form of a graphical user interface
210. The measurements are associated with one or more outer body
contours of the user.
[0088] The customer may be measured by themselves or another person
such as, a friend or, in an in-shop environment, by a shop
assistant.
[0089] The outer body counter of a customer is dynamic such that it
changes with movement. For example, the outer body counter changes
with walking, running, bending down, lunging and/or squatting. The
measurements may include measurements in two or more poses. The two
or more poses may include a standing pose and or one or more other
poses. The standing pose may have the customer measured in a
relaxed, straight back standing position with feet side by side and
shoulder width apart.
[0090] The one or more other poses may include one or both elbow
bent at right angles; one or both knees bent at right angles; one
or both elbow bent to maximum; one or both knee bent to maximum;
one or both elbow bent to an angle between straight arm and
maximum; one or both knee bent to an angle between straight and
maximum; customer on one knee; customer on both knees, customer in
a lunge; customer in a partial lunge; customer in a squat; customer
in a partial squat; customer with a bent back; customer legs
together, customer legs further apart than shoulders; arms raised
to side; arms raised in front; arms raised above head.
[0091] The two or more poses may be used by the computer 205 to
build a dynamic range of movement and body shape of the
customer.
[0092] The measurements may include measurements relating to an
action performed by a customer. An example of such an action is a
golf swing, or bending in a certain manner. This enables the system
200 to determine one or more quantitative indications of
performance when certain actions are performed.
[0093] The measurements may then be input into the graphical user
interface 210. In an alternative embodiment, the data may be
uploaded over the internet by a customer. In this case, the
computer 205 may include a web server which provides the graphical
user interface 210 to the remote user via a web browser.
[0094] The graphical user interface may also be used to receive one
or more preferences relating to the quantitative indications of
performance. Such preferences may include a strong preference for
loose fitting collars, a preference for tight pants, or any other
suitable preference.
[0095] The computer is operatively connected to the mannequin 10a,
by a wired connection 215. As will be readily understood by a
skilled reader, a wireless connection may similarly be used, as may
a combination of wired 215 and wireless connections. The computer
205 transforms the measurements into signals receivable by the
plurality of movable piston sensors 22. Movement of the movable
piston sensors 22 is then electronically controlled in accordance
with the input measurements, through the signals.
[0096] The computer 205 additionally includes a reception
interface, for receiving one or more quantitative indications of
performance of the clothing fitted to the mannequin. The
quantitative indications of performance may comprise raw data as
read by the plurality of sensors, or filtered data.
[0097] The computer 205 includes a presentation module, for
generating a graphical representation of the quantitative
indications of performance of the clothing and/or the adornments
fitted to the mannequin. The preferences, as well as empirical
data, for example, may be used to filter data prior to generating a
graphical representation. Such filtering may include exaggerating
or ignoring certain quantitative indications.
[0098] The present invention is not limited to any one method of
obtaining outer body contour data from a customer, or for conveying
such data to the mannequin to adjust the physical location of the
movable piston sensors 22 or other devices for establishing an
outer body contour of the mannequin 10a such that it resembles that
of the customer.
[0099] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the system 200
further includes a scanning device. The scanning device may include
three dimensional scanning technology using lasers, or any other
technology for the purpose of scanning an outer body contour of a
customer.
[0100] When the scanning system is used to obtain an outer body
contour of the customer, the one or more other poses may include
the customer in the act of walking; running; lunging, squatting;
and bending a knee or elbow, for example.
[0101] FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation 300 of
quantitative indications of performance of clothing according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] The graphical representation 300 includes an image 305 of
the clothing fitted to the mannequin and a coded overlay 310
representing the quantitative indications of performance.
[0103] The coded overlay 310 includes regions of differential
transparency, the level of transparency of the overlay indicating a
magnitude of the quantitative indication.
[0104] As will be readily understood by a person skilled in the
relevant area of technology, the coded overlay 310 may be
represented as complete image rather than an overlay. Similarly,
instead of transparency, a brightness of a colour may be used to
indicate a magnitude of the quantitative indication. For example, a
bright red may be used to indicate a particularly tight area, and
dull red may be used to indicate a tight area that is not very
tight.
[0105] The coded overlay 310 may include a thresholding of data,
such that levels of a quantitative indication above or below a
certain threshold are not shown at all. In a simple embodiment, the
coded overlay 310 may simply have two values, i.e. to indicate a
potential problem or not.
[0106] The coded overlay 310 of FIG. 3 indicates a tight fit of a
shirt around the stomach.
[0107] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), multiple types of
quantitative indications are shown in the coded overlay 310. Each
type of quantitative is coded using a different colour, and the
level of transparency of each colour indicates a magnitude of the
quantitative indication.
[0108] To improve the user experience when viewing images of a
mannequin onto which items of clothing or adornments have been
placed, for any parts of the mannequin that are not covered by an
article of clothing or adornment, the image is adjusted to replace
those uncovered portions with images that are representative of the
user. In one embodiment, the uncovered portions are replaced with
an image of a skin tone that is similar to that of the user.
[0109] In another embodiment, an image of the dressed mannequin is
adjusted to replace uncovered portions with actual representations
of the user's corresponding body parts that are captured during the
process of scanning the user's body to obtain their outer
dimensions. Adjusting the image of the mannequin to merge into that
image body parts of the user for those parts of the mannequin that
are uncovered provides the best representation to the user
regarding how the item of clothing will appear when worn by
themselves.
[0110] FIG. 4 illustrates a mannequin 400 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The mannequin 400 includes a
plurality of sensors attached to the outer contour of the body, in
the form of pressure sensors 405 and an air flow sensor 410.
[0111] The air flow sensor 410 comprises a fan, and an air
circulation sensor. The air flow sensor 410 may be advantageous in
detecting how warm, or how close to the body an item of clothing
may feel.
[0112] As will be readily understood by a person skilled in the
art, other types of sensors include heat retention sensors, fabric
softness or texture sensors, clothing transparency sensors,
material stress sensors, clothing stretch sensors, and sensors to
detect integrity of clothing.
[0113] Any suitable sensing technology may be utilised to provide
an indication of pressure applied to the mannequin such as,
microcell sensing, mechanical differential sensing, load cell
and/or strain gauges, dedicated pressure sensors, tactile sensors,
fibre optic sensors, inductive sensors and/or piezoelectric
sensors.
[0114] The microcell sensor may either be encased inside the
movable piston sensor 22 or inserted into the sides to measure
changes in hydraulic or pneumatic pressure.
[0115] The mechanical differential sensors may monitor the energy
consumed by mechanical actuators, to momentarily enlarge the body
shape with and without clothing fitted. The difference between the
two energy readings may be calibrated to provide a relative
indication of the tightness of the fitted clothes.
[0116] The load cell and/or strain gauges may be placed inside the
movable piston sensors 22, or applied to the surface of the outer
skin of the mannequin. Typically these are resistive components,
although other technologies such as inductive capacitive or piezo
may be utilized. Resistive transducers change their resistance in
accordance to the level of force applied to the sensor's surface in
a predictable and repeatable manner.
[0117] Dedicated pressure sensors may work in a similar manner to
microcell sensing. The sensors may be comprised of an integrated
volume of air and load cell sensor that, when squeezed or
pressured, may provide an electrical signal indicate the level of
force applied. The benefit is that they can be placed in close
proximity to the components that are used to replicate the outer
contour shape of a user.
[0118] The tactile sensors may be constructed from piezo-resistive
materials residing between two layers of silver on a flexible
backing tape. The benefit of this type of technology is that it is
small, light and flexible. Furthermore, the sensor areas may be
constructed in arrays, which concentrate a number of detectors into
a small area.
[0119] Fibre Optic Sensors may operate by using a wide range of
optical principles and fundamentally may utilise an optical fibre
which allow single point pressure and/or force measurement. The
benefit of this type of sensor is fibre itself can have a low mass,
and the signal can be transmitted over e large distance with little
signal degradation.
[0120] Inductive Sensors may work by measuring the displacement of
a diaphragm by means of changes in its inductance. These sensors,
may be similar in size to a load cell sensor.
[0121] Piezoelectric sensors use the piezoelectric effect (i.e. a
measurable voltage) in crystal that occurs when a force is
applied.
[0122] Most of these sensors may be deployed in either an active or
passive sensor network. In particular, wired, wireless, passive RF
or optical technology may be utilised to transmit data back to a
host computer.
[0123] The pressure sensors may measure and report to the consumer
the pressure the garment applies upon the body in the two or more
poses, to determine if the consumer will be comfortable in the day
to day wear of the garment.
[0124] Rather than using pressure sensors, the movable piston
sensors 22 may be touch sensitive such that once they have been
extended to suit the outer body contour of the customer, they will
also retract once an article of clothing bears against them. Thus
the movable piston sensors 22 may be biased and retract upon the
exertion of pressure to indicate to the customer how the article of
clothing would appear.
[0125] Such movement may be recorded, and this will also provide an
indication of where, and to what extent, the article of clothing is
applying pressure on the body.
[0126] The pressure sensors may be included on each of the movable
piston sensors 22 or may be included on only a subset of the
movable piston sensors. Advantageously, pressure sensors are
included on at least one movable piston sensor 22 or a suitable
subset of movable piston sensors 22 in areas known to be important
to fit, such as neck, shoulders, biceps, wrist, chest, bust, waist
and abdomen. For example, one movable piston sensor 22 on a bicep
may give a suitable indicator of pressure, however a ring of
sensors around a neck or a waist may be required.
[0127] In one embodiment the pressure applied to the movable piston
sensor 22 by clothing is measured by the electric current supplied
to the movable piston sensor 22 to extend them when the clothing is
fitted.
[0128] In another embodiment the pressure applied by the clothing
to the movable piston sensor 22 is determined by measuring the
tightness of the clothing on the mannequin 10a, 400. In this
embodiment, the tightness is measured by measuring the stretching
of the clothing. In this instance, the pressure indication is
provided by covering the mannequin 10a, 400 with a special fabric
that can report on the pressure it receives, and/or by measuring a
chemical structure change.
[0129] The mannequin may also provide other quantitative
indications of fit such as air flow, body heat, fabric softness,
clothing transparency, stress testing, a customer weight change
allowance and clothing and/or adornment integrity.
[0130] The air flow indication may be provided by the mannequin
10a, 10b, 10c comprising an opening underneath the fitted clothing
and/or adornment through which air is blown and an air blower. The
air flow indication provides a customer with an indication of
sufficient or insufficient air flow and an estimate of the level of
perspiration when wearing the garment.
[0131] The body heat indication may be provided by the mannequin
10a, 400 comprising one or more heat generators and a plurality of
thermometers to measure the air temperature between mannequin 10a,
400 and the clothing and/or the heat escaping through the clothing
and/or adornment. The temperature readings from the plurality of
thermometers provide an indication of how heat escapes through the
fitted clothing and how suitable the clothing is for cold weather,
how comfortable it is in different weather conditions and a
recommended temperature range.
[0132] The fabric softness indication may be provided by using the
pressure sensors to measure the softness of the material from which
the fitted clothing and/or adornment is comprised. The measure of
fabric softness may provide an indication of how soft the fabric is
and/or whether the fitted clothing is suitable to be worn on the
naked body. This embodiment may be particularly appealing to
customers buying undergarments and/or with sensitive skin and the
invention may provide softness ranges suitable for sensitive and
normal skin. The fabric transparency indication may be provided by
mannequin 10a, 400 comprising one or more lights for projecting
light through the fitted clothing. This provides a customer with
confirmation as to whether the clothing will be see-through or not
when worn and whether suitable undergarments should be worn to
reduce the transparency. The weight change allowance indicator may
be provided by mannequin 10a, 400 being manipulated to replicate
changes to body contour according to a weight change by extending
the movable piston sensors 22. The weight change may be distributed
throughout the body or may be localized at one region for example,
the abdomen, hips, buttocks or thighs. The weight change may be an
increase or decrease in weight of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 kilograms. Rather
than using a model, a customer may be scanned during weight
variation to provide accurate measurements and distribution of
weight variation.
[0133] The stress test indicator may be provided by having
mannequin 10a, 400 change pose, for example dynamically and/or
between the two or more poses, and expand where needed, for example
at flexed muscles or bent joints to assess whether stitching on the
garment is suitable for long lasting wear. Photographic or video
images may be obtained during the stress test with particular
attention on the stitches and sent to the customer with a report
for visual assessment of durability.
[0134] The clothing and/or adornment integrity indicator may be
provided by checking the consistency of the cloth or material from
which the clothing and/or adornment is comprised on the dressed
mannequin. Advantageously, this allows a report on whether the
clothing and/or adornment has any holes or damage.
[0135] FIG. 5 illustrates a mannequin 10b according to another
embodiment of the invention. The mannequin 10b is similar to the
mannequin 10a, but more closely resembles a human body.
[0136] The mannequin 10b includes a plurality of body panels 24,
which substantially resemble the major muscles of the human body,
for example, there is a panel 24 for each bicep muscle, a panel 24
for each pectoral muscle, and so on. Rather than including a large
number of panels, a single curved panel 24 may be used where
required.
[0137] Behind each panel is a pressure sensor (not shown) for
detecting an amount of pressure applied to the panel by an item of
clothing.
[0138] The mannequin 10b includes a plurality of sensors 32
disposed on each panel. As described earlier any type of sensor 32
may be used, heat retention sensors, fabric softness or texture
sensors, clothing transparency sensors, material stress sensors,
clothing stretch sensors, and sensors to detect integrity of
clothing.
[0139] The mannequin 10b further includes flexible joints between
at least two panels, such that the mannequin 10b may change pose.
The joints may be mechanically operated.
[0140] FIG. 6 illustrates a mannequin 10b, as described in FIG. 5,
but including a sleeved shirt 36.
[0141] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of facilitating the making,
alteration and/or purchase of clothing by a user, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0142] At step 705, outer physical dimensions of the prospective
user of clothing and/or adornments are received, via a data
interface.
[0143] At step 710, the mannequin is fitted with the clothing
and/or adornments. The mannequin includes a plurality of sensors
attached to the outer contour of body, for providing one or more
quantitative indications of performance of the clothing and/or
adornments fitted to the mannequin. The mannequin additionally
includes a plurality of adjustable devices that are operable to
adjust their physical dimensions to replicate one or more outer
body contours of the user.
[0144] At step 715, the mannequin is adjusted according to the
received outer physical dimensions.
[0145] At step 720, the quantitative indications are received from
the mannequin, via a data interface.
[0146] At step 725, a graphical representation of the quantitative
indications is provided to the user, via a data interface.
[0147] FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate progressively how the movable piston
sensors 22 move from a retracted position inside the mannequin 10a
to a different extended position outside the mannequin 10a
depending on the input shape of the customer. In particular, a
cross section through the torso region of the mannequin 10b is
shown. FIG. 8c illustrates the same mannequin 10a having an item of
clothing 34 applied, exerting pressure back onto the movable piston
sensors 22.
[0148] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the torso of a
still further mannequin embodiment 10c. Rather than having
cylindrical body parts as per mannequin 10a, or a hollow body made
up of multiple panels as per mannequin 10b, the mannequin 10c
includes a single planar panel 40 extending through a vertical axis
of the body, and a plurality of movable piston sensors 42 extend
outwardly therefrom to an extent similar to that of the location of
the panels of mannequin 10b or the extended movable piston sensors
22 of the mannequin 10a. As mentioned above in the context of
mannequin 10a, the movable piston sensors 42 can be extended as
required by any known means, for example, they may be
telescopic.
[0149] As for mannequins 10a and 10b above, mannequin 10c may also
alter the outer body contour depending upon the mannequin pose as
outlined with reference to mannequin 10a above.
[0150] Any of the mannequins 10a, 10b, 10c may also include
additional sensors to those discussed above, in order to provide
further quantitative indications of fit of the clothing to a
customers body shape. The one or more quantitative indication of
fit may include en indication of pressure, through tightness of
fit, applied by the clothing when worn, an indication of air flow,
body heat, fabric softness, clothing transparency, stress testing
and a weight change allowance. The quantitative indications can
additionally include measures such as clothing or material quality,
seam quality, material thickness or similar which may not directly
change the fit of an item of clothing, but instead other
characteristics of the clothing such as quality.
[0151] An example where the systems and methods described above may
prove useful is where a person may have an unusually large neck
width, and wishes to purchase a shirt. Use of the mannequins 10a,
10b and/or 10c will indicate that even though the shirt may be
suited to the customer's torso and arm regions, it may provide an
uncomfortable pressure around the neck. In using pressure sensors
or the like, such information can be retrieved and relayed back to
the customer, who may then make a more informed decision.
[0152] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a computer system
1000, with which the present invention may be implemented.
[0153] The computer system 1000 includes a central processor 1002,
a system memory 1004 and a system bus 1006 that couples various
system components including the system memory 1004 to the central
processor 1002. The system bus 1006 may be any of several types of
bus structure including a memory bus or memory controller, a
peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus
architectures. The structure of system memory 1004 is well known to
those skilled in the relevant field of technology and may include a
basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in a read only memory (ROM)
and one or more program modules such as operating systems,
application programs and program data stored in random access
memory (RAM).
[0154] The computer system 1000 may also include a variety of
interface units and drives for reading and writing data. In
particular, the computer system 1000 includes a hard disk interface
1008 and a removable memory interface 1010 respectively coupling a
hard disk drive 1012 and a removable memory drive 1014 to system
bus 1006. Examples of removable memory drives 1014 include magnetic
disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their
associated computer-readable media, such as a Digital Versatile
Disc (DVD) 1018 provide non-volatile storage of computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for
the computer system 1000. A single hard disk drive 1012 and a
single removable memory drive 1014 are shown for illustration
purposes only and with the understanding that the computer system
1000 may include several of such drives. Furthermore, the computer
system 1000 may include drives for interfacing with other types of
computer readable media.
[0155] The computer system 1000 may include additional interfaces
for connecting devices to system bus 1006. FIG. 10 shows a
universal serial bus (USB) interface 1018 which may be used to
couple a device to the system bus 1006. An IEEE 1394 interface 1020
may be used to couple additional devices to the computer system
1000.
[0156] The computer system 1000 can operate in a networked
environment using logical connections to one or more remote
computers or other devices, such as a server, a router, a network
personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a
wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. The
computer 1000 includes a network interface 1022 that couples system
bus 1008 to a local area network (LAN) 1024. Networking
environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer
networks and home computer systems.
[0157] A wide area network (WAN), such as the internet, can also be
accessed by the computer system 1000, for example via a modem unit
connected to serial port interface 1026 or via the LAN 1024.
[0158] It will be appreciated that the network connections shown
and described are exemplary and other ways of establishing a
communications link between the computers can be used. The
existence of any of various well-known protocols, such as Frame
Relay, Ethernet, TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and
the computer system 1000 can be operated in a client-server
configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a
web-based server. Furthermore, any of various conventional web
browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web
pages.
[0159] The operation of the computer system 1000 can be controlled
by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program
modules are routines, programs, objects, components, and data
structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular
abstract data types. The present invention may also be practiced
with other computer system configurations, including hand-held
devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or
programmable consumer electronics, mainframe computers, personal
digital assistants and the like. Furthermore, the invention may
also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks
are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through
a communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote memory
storage devices.
[0160] The invention is particularly well suited to facilitating
the purchase of clothing in an on-line shopping environment, using
a mannequin that can be adjusted to accurately reflect the body of
a customer to aid in their assessment of the look and fit of
garments before committing to purchasing the article of clothing.
In this regard, a customer may use a personal communications device
such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistant or a
suitably equipped cell phone to review a range of clothing offered
for sale by an on-line retailer and may, subsequent to providing
data representing their outer physical dimensions, request images
of various articles of clothing fitted to a mannequin adjusted to
their size. During this process, a sales assistant may also provide
guidance regarding the customer's selection of articles of clothing
and may suggest alternative articles or perhaps alternative sizes
that may better suit the customer.
[0161] In an embodiment of the invention, a customer operates
software executing on the personal communications device to effect
the steps required to select and request the fitment of articles of
clothing to a mannequin and to order or decline the purchase of
articles of clothing subsequent to reviewing images of same. As an
alternative, the customer may request alterations to the article of
clothing to better suit their body shape and size.
[0162] As will be readily understood by a person skilled in the
relevant area of technology, the mannequin may be manufactured with
any one or more of a range of sensors to provide quantitative
performance data. The mannequin 10a may be formed by one or more
shape forming techniques including one-step techniques and reusable
techniques. The one-step techniques may be exact and may require
assembly of parts onto a skeleton.
[0163] One example of a one-step technique is 3D rapid prototyping
in which successive layers of material are added to form a 3D exact
replica of the person. Examples of 3D rapid prototyping include
selective laser sintering (SLS); stereo lithography apparatus
(SLA); 3D printing; and/or injection moulding.
[0164] The 3D printing may utilise a plastic material in a hot
melted state.
[0165] Plastic material is heated and forced under high pressure
into mould. The material is allowed to cool to a solid and ejected
from the mould.
[0166] Another example of a one-step technique is vacuum forming.
The vacuum forming may comprise producing a thin plastic shell
representing the exact body shape by drawing hot plastic sheets
against a shaped mould.
[0167] A further example of a one-step technique is inflatable
plastic. The inflatable plastic may comprise converting the 3D body
scan data so that a 2D plastic sheet cutting machine cuts front and
back (or more) panels. These panels are fastened together and the
whole part then inflated to produce a full size replica of the
human body.
[0168] Yet another example of a one-step technique is a static
budding block. Static building blocks utilise a library of limb and
torso parts in various shapes and sizes. The 3D body data is
analysed and parts that closely resemble the scanned data are
identified for selection. The operator selects the desired parts
and attaches them to a skeleton prior to fitting the clothes.
[0169] The reusable techniques may require a course and fine
adjustment range. The course adjustment may achieve a close to
approximation the large dynamic range of the population, and the
fine adjustment may achieve the fine variations to accurately
replicate the customer outer body counter.
[0170] These reusable techniques generally have an adjustable
skeleton structure to achieve limb (arms and legs) & torso
lengths and an adjustable form technology to give the shape around
the skeleton.
[0171] One example of a reusable technology is pneumatic and/or
hydraulic cells. The pneumatic and/or hydraulic cells may expand or
contract with pneumatic or hydraulic pressure and may be used to
provide course and fine adjustment of the body shape. Fine
adjustment is achieved by individually controlling each cell.
[0172] Another example of a reusable technology is electro and/or
mechanical blocks. The electro and/or mechanical blocks may use a
combination of electrical and mechanical actuators to form both the
course and fine adjustment shapes. An example of a course
adjustment is a motor and gearbox drive system adapted to mannequin
10a. In this case electrically powered actuators may be controlled
to provide the shape sizes.
[0173] Another example of a reusable technique is to utilise cables
and/or rope to form the outer perimeter (or bands) of the body
shape. Multiple cables and/or rope may be stacked vertically to
form a human body in a standing position with the cable/rope linked
through eyelets woven into the inside of the skin. Multiple
motor/ropes for a single slice could be used to produce irregular
shapes suitable to imitate the various body's forms. The sensor may
comprise detecting a pressure applied to the ropes.
[0174] As will be readily understood by a person skilled in the
relevant area of technology, the clothing and/or adornments
according to the present invention includes footwear such as, shoes
and boots. Although not illustrated the skilled reader will
appreciate that as with the body, movable piston sensors 22 may be
used to represent a person's foot and would enable the user to see
how the shoe or foot would appear and also indicate to the user
whether the footwear would be comfortable.
[0175] It will also be understood by the skilled reader that the
present invention may be applied to incomplete mannequins or at the
very least to individual body parts. Thus different clothing and or
footwear shops may only need a part of the body. For example, a
retail outlet that sells watches may only wish to have a
representative arm to show potential purchasers what a watch may
look like on their arm. Similarly jewelry shops may wish to have a
representative hand. By keeping a database of customers the shop
may email their clients a catalogue illustrating what a piece of
jewelry may look like on their hand or wrist. The same applies to
footwear retail outlets and those providing gloves and hats.
[0176] Whilst the invention is particularly useful for on-line
shopping for articles of manufactured clothing, it may also be used
in instances where a customer requires clothing to be tailor made.
In this instance, the customer has their outer physical dimensions
measured and supplies same to a tailor who is equipped with a
mannequin. The tailor may then receive instructions from the
customer regarding the garment required and may provide the tailor
with their outer physical dimensions. The tailor may then proceed
to make the garment using the mannequin adjusted to the customer's
physical size while receiving feedback from the mannequin that the
garment fits comfortably. Of course, tailors would need to have
access to a mannequin, however, the use of the invention in this
example substantially reduces the requirement for the customer to
make repeated trips to the tailor for fitting sessions. One
particular example where this would be considered most useful would
be the design and making of wedding dresses.
[0177] Another benefit of such a use of the invention is that the
tailor could be remote from the customer yet still able to commence
the manufacture of a garment. For example, the tailor could be
overseas as compared with the location of the customer or perhaps,
country or regional based customers could provide data pertaining
to their outer physical dimensions to a tailor in the city. This
particular embodiment also applies to instances where a customer
requires alterations to an existing article of clothing and may
send the article to a tailor.
[0178] The tailor may be able to accurately alter the garment by
using the adjustable mannequin along with up to date data regarding
the customers outer physical dimensions. The taller may also make
use of the quantitative performance data collected from the sensors
whilst making or altering clothing for a customer, thus reducing
the likelihood that further adjustments will be required. In
particular, when making or altering clothing, the tailor may
control the mannequin to adopt a number of poses and may adjust
clothing to suit the range of movements by the customer.
[0179] The invention is also useful for in-shop retail outlets
where customers prefer to avoid the fitting of garments. This is
also beneficial to the shop keeper as it prevents soiling of
garments. In the event that a garment does not fit as well as
expected by the customer, an adjustable mannequin may then be used
to determine the alterations required to suit the customer.
[0180] Irrespective of the actual mode of viewing and/or purchasing
articles of clothing with the use of en adjustable mannequin, the
collection of the outer physical dimensions of customers will
enable the development of a universal sizing system wherein
customers may be provided with a number, or some other indicator,
that defines their size. Over time, it is expected that retail
outlets may adopt the universal sizing system so that customers may
then recite their size (according to the universal sizing system)
to retail clothing suppliers. In this particular example, customers
may not be able to locate their precise size in a retail outlet but
they should at least be able to locate an article of clothing that
is close to their size irrespective of where the retail clothing
outlet is located. Accordingly, with such a system, customers in
one country can recite their universal size to someone in another
country and they will accurately understand the size requirements
of the customer.
[0181] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe
the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the
invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features.
It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that,
in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and
changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0182] All computer programs, algorithms, patent and scientific
literature referred to herein is incorporated herein by
reference.
* * * * *