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A method for increasing 3D body scanning's precision: Gryphon and consecutive scanning
Christopher J Parker1, Simeon Gill2, Adrian Harwood3
1School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
Ergonomics
|May 19, 2021
Summary
The Gryphon algorithm significantly improves 3D body scanning precision for custom garment creation. By removing extreme measurements and using consecutive scans, 97.5% of data meets ISO 20685 standards, making it suitable for fashion and ergonomics.
Area of Science:
- Anthropometry
- Apparel Design
- Metrology
Background:
- Current 3D body scanning technology lacks the precision required by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 20685:2010 for custom garment pattern generation.
- Existing 3D scanning methods produce measurements that frequently fall outside acceptable tolerances, hindering their application in the fashion industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an algorithm, Gryphon, to enhance the precision of 3D body scanning measurements.
- To assess the impact of consecutive versus non-consecutive data capture on scanning precision.
- To determine if the Gryphon algorithm and consecutive scanning can achieve ISO 20685:2010 tolerances.
Main Methods:
- The Gryphon algorithm was developed, which removes the two most extreme measurements from five consecutive 3D body scans.
- A study involving 97 participants was conducted, analyzing 121 industry-standard measurements under both consecutive and non-consecutive scanning conditions.
- Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to statistically analyze the data and assess precision against ISO 20685:2010 tolerances.
Main Results:
- Under current industry practices, only one of 121 measurements met ISO 20685 tolerances.
- The Gryphon algorithm, combined with consecutive scanning, resulted in 97.5% of measurements meeting ISO 20685 tolerances.
- The study confirmed that in-scan body movement does not significantly impact the reliability of 3D body scan data.
Conclusions:
- The Gryphon algorithm, when used with consecutive 3D body scanning, dramatically increases measurement precision to meet international standards.
- This method provides an accessible solution for the fashion industry, ergonomists, and practitioners to achieve reliable anthropometric data.
- Consecutive data capture is essential for obtaining 3D body scan data suitable for anthropometric applications and custom apparel design.

