Computerized clothing designer

• US 5,495,568 A
• Filed: 12/27/1993
• Issued: 02/27/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William C. Beavin
• Original Assignee: William C. Beavin
• Inventors: Beavin, William C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bayerl, Raymond J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): dela Torre, Crescelle N.
• Application Number:
  US08/175,780
• Time in Patent Office: 792 Days
• Field of Search: 395/125, 395/126, 395/127, 395/128, 395/129, 395/130, 395/131, 395/155, 395/161, 395/141, 395/119, 395/152, 364/188, 364/468, 364/469, 364/470, 382/1, 382/8, 382/41, 345/122
• US Class Current: 700/83
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/319 Circuits for simulating ECG signals
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/30 Anatomical models G09B23/281 - G09B23/288 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/50 for simulation or modelling of medical disorders
• CPC Class Codes: G16Z 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/964 CAD or CAM, e.g. interactive design tools
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/966 Computer process, e.g. operation of computer

Abstract

A computer system receives data describing fabric characteristics such as weave pattern, frictional characteristics, average fibers per strand, strand wear characteristics, and elasticity. Fabric colors and patterns are also inputs. Data describing an individual'"'"'s physical characteristics such as dimensions and complexion are input into the computer system'"'"'s memory. Digitized photographs of an individual may be mapped over a three dimensional image tailored to that individual'"'"'s dimensions. Garment models are placed over the three dimensional images, which reflect the inputted fabric characteristics and color patterns. The fit is tailored to match the three dimensional model, and shown graphically on the computer display device. The three dimensional model moves as the individual would move, such as raising the arms, bending, walking, or running. Motion inputs may come from prerecorded maneuver data, or user input through such means as computer keyboard, mouse, joystick, or other interaction devices such as body position sensors worn by the user to accurately input individual range of motion data. Friction between the individual and the fabric is monitored, as well as between areas of fabric rubbing on fabric, and shown graphically as a hot spot. User interaction to adjust the garment dimensions can be applied to adjust for the binding. The fabric model is affected by the motion through stretching and friction. Fabric conditions, such as temperature, moisture content, foreign objects, and fabric defects can be modified, and the fabric model indicating that fabric'"'"'s response may be observed as the three dimensional model moves through normal ranges of motion. Fabric characteristics such as color and pattern may be modified dynamically, so that the user may observe different garments. The three dimensional model can be made to move in slow motion, real-time, or faster than real-time to observe results. After the user is satisfied with the garment design, it is stored in computer memory, and can be presented in the form of a printed pattern to be placed over the chosen fabric and assembled into an actual garment, or a set of control outputs to an automated cutting machine may directly control cutting the garment'"'"'s required pieces of fabric to construct the accurately tailored garment.

Claims

1. A clothing designer computer system comprising:

means for obtaining physical characteristics directly from a purchaser including physical dimensions;

means for obtaining complexion data directly from said purchaser;

means for obtaining digitized photographic data of said purchaser;

means for generating a three dimensional model of said purchaser;

computer processing means for generating movement of said model through motion contemplated by said purchaser;

means for inputting fabric characteristics of potential fabric materials;

means for inputting frictional characteristics of said fabric materials with said moving model;

means for inputting environmental data conditions including temperature range and moisture content;

means for inputting wear data for said fabric materials into said computer system;

computer processing means for processing said frictional characteristics and said wear data during movement of said model;

computer processing means for determining life span of said fabric materials based on said model movement, said wear data, said frictional characteristics; and

said environmental data;

computer processing means for determining appropriate fabric, size, contour of garment for said purchaser; and

display means for illustrating movement of said model with said garment in place upon said model.

2. A clothing designer computer system according to claim 1 wherein said physical characteristics include size, weight, length of arms, width of arms, leg lengths, leg widths, bust, and waist.

3. A clothing designer computer system according to claim 1 wherein said fabric characteristics include weave pattern, fibers per strand, elasticity, color and color patterns.

4. A clothing designer computer system according to claim 1 wherein said computer processing means moves said model in slow motion, real time and accelerated time.

5. A clothing designer computer system according to claim 1 wherein said computer system provides control of cutting the fabric to size.

6. A method of designing a computer garment comprising:

providing a clothing designer computer system;

supplying to said computer system fabric characteristics of potential fabrics for the garment;

supplying to said computer system physical characteristics taken directly from a purchaser;

supplying to said computer system complexion data taken directly from said purchaser;

supplying digitized photographic data of said purchaser;

generating a 3-dimensional model of said purchaser;

generating movement of said model through motions contemplated for use of the garment;

supplying wear data for said fabrics into said computer system;

supplying environmental data including temperature range and moisture content, contemplated for said fabrics;

supplying friction data between said fabrics and said physical characteristics of said purchaser;

processing said fabrics, said wear data, said frictional data and said environmental data upon said model as said model moves through contemplated purchaser activity;

determining the appropriate fabric, contour of garment, and size for said purchaser; and

displaying the resulting garment upon said model and movement of said model with said garment in place.

7. A method according to claim 6 including measuring the size, weight, length of arms, width of arms, leg lengths, leg widths, bust and waist.

8. A method according to claim 6 including processing said model through wear and environmental conditions to determine life span of the garment.

9. A method according to claim 6 including processing said model through slow motion, real time and accelerated time.

10. A method according to claim 6 including cutting the fabric to size with said computer system.