Process, fit, and appearance analysis of three-dimensional to two-dimensional automatic pattern unwrapping technology

by 1983- Outling, Cora Denise

OUTLING, CORA DENISE SMITH. Process, Fit, and Appearance Analysis of Three- Dimensional to Two-Dimensional Automatic Pattern Unwrapping Technology. (Under the direction of Dr. Cynthia L. Istook). Innovative technology in various forms has been implemented into the apparel industry over the last few decades. The creation of patterns for garment production was revolutionized with the implementation of Computer-Aided-Design technologies such as digitizing, computer grading, and pattern design systems. Recently, 3D body scanning technology was developed and used to assist in numerous areas of apparel product development from measurement extraction to sizing and body shape recognition. More currently, in 2004 a new opportunity to develop patterns directly from 3D body scans was developed. This technology, called three-dimensional (3D) to two-dimensional (2D) pattern unwrapping, is the future of automated apparel pattern development. However, in order for companies to utilize this technology, an assessment of the process of acquiring the patterns, as well as the fit and appearance of the garments produced must be completed to determine if the system works successfully and is a feasible endeavor. The purpose of the study was to analyze the process, fit, and appearance of the resulting garments from NX-12’s 3D to 2D pattern unwrapping system. To obtain this goal a garment evaluation tool was created and used to assess the fit and appearance of the garments. Prior to assessing the garments fit and appearance, an evaluation of the process of developing the 3D extraction and the 2D pattern was also conducted. Lastly, the participants’ evaluation of the garments created was analyzed. Using the data collected, results showed that the system had a number of problems associated not only with the process of creating the garment, but also with the garments themselves. Overall, the issues that occurred were universal to all the participants and therefore could be anticipated and corrected with the addition of parameters. Other issues may be attributed to the 3D body scanner and the respiration and stance of the participants as found from other studies. Participants said they were comfortable with the 3D scanning process and interested in using the technology again. In general, participants had no clear issues with the process and felt the pant pattern, the one with the most parameters in place, fit better than the traditional off-the-rack pants available. The findings of the research is important to aid in the development of the 3D to 2D pattern unwrapping software system, as well as to determine consumers interest in the technology. This research will benefit the apparel industry mainly because the 3D to 2D pattern unwrapping system is an extremely innovative method of apparel pattern development that has the potential to decrease the time, effort, and the cost of traditional Made-to-Measure mass customization.