New scanning cabinet for School of Materials
The School of Materials has come into possession of a NX-16 cabinet scanner that combines body sizing technology and pattern creation in a single step.
The scanning cabinet looks like a simple brown box from the outside, but inside lurks sixteen lights and thirty-two cameras capable of creating a body map to within a one millimetre accuracy.
This technology, which connects to software developed at The University of Manchester, is revolutionising the clothing industry by allowing the creation of perfect pattern samples that can be altered at the touch of a button.
The cameras track difficult-to-measure points on the body, which are then combined to form a virtual framework that 3D designs can be created upon, before being laid out into 2D patterns.
Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, a post-graduate researcher from the Department of Textiles, has already achieved recognition for his work in the area of 3D pattern creation.
Now he is taking his work further by using the scanner to create accurate and adaptable patterns.
He said: "I am developing a body model that is suitable for dropping clothes on to, and from there you can flatten the 3D virtual clothing into 2D patterns.These patterns are instantly resizable."
Abu is also enthusiastic about applications for scanning technology.
He said: "Sizing Survey (Size UK) uses the same body scanner and advanced tailoring shops, like Brooks Brothers in America, have got a body scanning cabinet in all of their stores so they can scan their customers instead of using a measuring tape."
"They are also being used on weight loss programmes too, checking body weight and tracking weight loss over time."
Much of the work the scanner does is traditionally carried out by a tailor. The scanner will automatically note posture, and can easily gauge where a person's waist is.
Dr Richard Kennon, Clothing Research Director, added: "A tailor chats to you and watches you to know how you stand and he makes a little note on his pad. Perhaps a 'p' for portly. He'll watch what your normal stance is and make the clothes to fit you. That’s what good tailors do, and that's what the scanner does anyway."
Masters students will soon be using a version of Abu's research to create clothing patterns.