3D scanning services may make returning clothes to the store a thing of the past
If you’re just beginning to look
into what 3D scanning services can do and what it is being used for you may
find yourself thinking, how can it interest me as an individual who doesn’t own
a business and as such isn’t in a position to implement 3D scanning services?
It may appear to more than just some of the general public as though only
academics and architects should pay any serious attention to this technology,
but this is more than anything because it hasn’t been around for long enough of
a time in order to provide the ordinary people with a context that they may
consider.
If only more people read up on
what’s being developed with these very capable and sophisticated 3D scanning machines,
as it would then be almost impossible to imagine there being anything less than
a complete cultural embrace from all corners of society. In an age when people
are bypassing card technology with face recognition software to access places,
there’s no doubt that there is a lot more ground to cover in 3D scanning
services.
Case in point, it is being used
to help us to fit into our clothes better than ever before. How? By taking our
measurements with truly great precision through electronic 3D scanning services.
If you’ve ever had your measurements taken by a professional tailor to make an
article of clothing just for you, then you know that it makes all the
difference in the world. You not only look better but feel much better than you
do with other off the rack clothes, particularly as you get to call the shots
as to where you would like it to be looser or more tight. You can really have
something that works for you and your unique lifestyle.
When most people hear the words 3D scanning
services they tend to associate it with the idea of scanning themselves,
perhaps with the intent of creating avatars that they can work out with the
help of imaging software. And why wouldn’t they? Especially when you consider
all the different apps that people are playing all over the place with their
very own phones, where they get to change their appearance and superimpose
graphics. Along these lines it seems like scanning is something that’s going to
continue to gain public support.
It seems like a pretty cool idea being able
to create a digital version of yourself. One that you can then upload onto a
video game or something of that nature. As people we tend to enjoy the idea of
escaping to a second reality where we can go down paths we wouldn’t ordinarily
go down. Given the interest that has arisen around virtual reality in
particular, the more mainstream use of 3D scanning services is surely nothing
short of a complete inevitability and as such is something that should be
contemplated carefully so that we may approach the prospect in the most
constructive and socially conscious way possible.
These kinds of 3D scanning services
make all kinds of sense in the Philippines where there is a real concern over
fitting clothes that should be addressed. There is a very unfortunate situation
that has arisen from the fact that they have had to take their clothing cues,
as far as measurements go, from far off cultures. Due to their distinctive
physical traits this has resulted in the ever present trend of them having a
disproportionately hard time finding clothes that fit their bodies comfortably.
By and large clothes are designed to suit those that live in the west, so what
Filipinos tend to have to deal with are jeans that drag or tops that are too
loose on top. As you can imagine this comes as a great disappointment to a
country that, like any other, just wants to look good and keep up with the
fashions of the time.
Understanding these challenges on
behalf of consumers within their country, the Philippine Textile Research
Institute presented their full body scanner at the National Science and
Technology Week. They call it Perfect Fit, and it serves as a way to make your
own avatar by calculating specific measurements from scans. The secret to its
precision is the coordinated use of various cameras, whose captured images are
run through sophisticated software in order to triangulate precise
measurements. Celia Elumba who directs the institute asserts that the ultimate
goal is to help capacitate local businesses and designers within the industry
with a national sizing system that they can apply to produce clothes that fit
Filipinos perfectly.
So how does it work? Well, first
you input relevant data into a tablet that may include how much exercise you
get. Once all this is entered you’re ready for the 3D scanning service
business. You change into tight shorts and a sleeveless top, and then step
inside what’s called a light box that looks like a transportation chamber that
belongs in Star Trek- It has 4 3D scanners that are fixed throughout. The
individual is then prompted to make different poses very much like what you may
see a mannequin do at a store. In fact one of the poses is called the Wonder
Woman, where you stand with your legs apart and with your hands on your hips.
Then you change back into your
own clothes and in less then a minute on a large screen you get to witness a
rough rendition of your avatar. The coolest part is when you get to choose the
types of clothes you would like your avatar to wear. Ideally you would get to
review several different combinations to get a sense of what different styles
flatter your figure best. People who have given the experience a try say that
it makes them feel like a celebrity of sorts.
It isn’t too hard to imagine
there being several advantages to being able to take your own measurements
electronically. For one, clothing stores are sure to jump at the opportunity,
particularly as there are many people who hate shopping for clothes precisely
because of the whole business of having to take clothes off and on, oftentimes
over and over again.
There are various interesting applications
that should improve our lives that are knocking right at our front door. With
so much technological expertise going around it is no wonder why there are new
ideas emerging in many areas, many of which seem as though they’re fairly
obvious to those who ponder the technological future through sources like science
fiction movies.
