Method and apparatus for the generation of computer graphic representations of individuals

• US 7,184,047 B1
• Filed: 06/27/2000
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen James Crampton
• Original Assignee: Stephen James Crampton
• Inventors: Crampton, Stephen James
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Kimbinh T.
• Application Number:
  US09/604,307
• Time in Patent Office: 2,436 Days
• Field of Search: 382/111, 345/418, 345/419, 345/639, 345/629, 345/473, 345/474, 345/640, 345/641, 345/420, 348/592
• US Class Current: 345/473
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00286 with studio circuitry, devices or equipment, e.g. television cameras television studio circuitry, devices or equipment per se H04N5/222
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00289 in a video photo booth or the like

Abstract

Apparatus for generating computer models of individuals is provided comprising a booth (1) that is connected to a server (2) via the Internet (3). Image data of an individual is captured using the booth (1) and a computer model corresponding to the individual is then generated by comparing the captured image data relative to a stored generic model. Data representative of a generated model is then transmitted to the server (2) where it is stored. Stored data can then be retrieved via the Internet using a personal computer (4) having application software stored therein. The application software on the personal computer (4) can then utilise the data to create graphic representations of an individual in any one of a number of poses.

Claims

1. An apparatus for generating computer models of individuals for generating graphical representations of individuals in different poses comprising:

storage means for storing a computer model of a generic person;

means for generating representations of a computer model of the surface of a person in poses in accordance with pose instructions identifying the orientation of a model'"'"'s limbs in a pose;

data input means for obtaining data representative of the surface of an individual in a pose;

pose calculation means for determining the orientations of an individual'"'"'s limbs in a pose adopted by an individual in the data obtained by said data input means;

comparison means for comparing said obtained data and data generated by said means for generating representations of said model of a person in a pose in which the model'"'"'s limbs are oriented in accordance with the orientations determined by said pose calculation means, and

model generation means operable to utilize said comparison by said comparison means to generate a computer model of said individual for generating computer graphical representations of said individual in different poses.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said data input means comprises laser stripe scanning apparatus to identify a plurality of points on the surface of an individual in said pose.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said data input means comprises means for obtaining data representative of an outline of said individual in said pose.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said data input means comprises at least one camera for obtaining image data of an individual in said pose.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said at least one camera comprises a digital camera.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said data input means further comprises means for processing image data of an individual in a pose to obtain an outline of said individual in said pose.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said means for obtaining outline data comprises means providing a predefined background wherein said data input means is arranged to obtain an image of an individual in said pose against said predefined background wherein said means for processing said image data is arranged to identify portions of said image data corresponding to said background and processing said image data to identify the outline of an individual in said image.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein said processing means is arranged to process said image data to identify portions of said image data corresponding to background by performing a thresholding operation.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein said means providing a predefined background comprises an illuminated background wherein said processing means is arranged to perform a thresholding operation on the basis of the luminance of portions of an image of an individual in a pose.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said means providing a predefined background comprises a light box comprising a floor, back wall and roof, said floor, back wall and roof comprising a translucent material, and means for illuminating said floor, back wall and roof from beneath, behind and above respectively.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8, wherein said background comprises a background of uniform pattern or colour wherein said thresholding operation is arranged to identify within said images of said person in said pose, portions of said image corresponding to said pattern or colour.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising foot marks indicating where an individual should place their feet when adopting a pose.

13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising indicator means for indicating a position at which a user should look at when adopting a pose.

14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising instruction means for instructing a user to adopt a predefined pose.

15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein said instruction means comprise display means for displaying an illustration of said pose to be adopted by said individual.

16. Apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein said instructions means comprise speakers for broadcasting oral instructions to an individual to adopt a specific pose.

17. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pose calculation means is arranged to identify a plurality of points on the surface of an individual and calculate the orientations of an individual'"'"'s limbs in a pose from the relative orientation of said identified points.

18. Apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein said plurality of points identified from said data comprise any of the top of the user'"'"'s head either side of a user'"'"'s neck the tips of the user'"'"'s hands, the tips of the user'"'"'s feet, the user'"'"'s armpits and the user'"'"'s crotch.

19. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said comparison means comprises scale identification means wherein said scale identification means is arranged to determine from said data obtained by said data input means scale data indicative of the height of said individual in said pose wherein said comparison means is arranged to compare said obtained data and data generated by said means for generating representation of said model of a person scaled in accordance with said scale data.

20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said comparison means is arranged to compare data representative of points on the surface of said model of a person in said pose determined by said pose calculation means and data representative of points on the surface of said individual in said pose obtained by said data input means.

21. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said storage means for storing a computer model of a generic person is arranged to store geometry data representative of the relative positioning of a predefined number of points on the surface of a computer wire mesh model of a generic person and data defining a wire mesh topology comprising data representative of the connection of said predetermined number of points on surface of said generic model of a person connected to others of said predetermined number of points wherein said means for generating representation is arranged to generate a calculated geometry data for said model of said person in a pose in accordance with animation instructions on the basis of said stored geometry data.

22. Apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein said comparison means is arranged to calculate the relative position of a number of points on the surface of an individual identified by obtained data relative to corresponding points on the surface of a computer representation of a generic person in said pose determined by said pose calculation means, wherein said model generation means is arranged to generate a computer model of an individual comprising geometry data representative of the surface of said individual in a predetermined stance, comprising the relative positioning of a predetermined number of points on the surface of a model of said individual in said predetermined stance being points representative of a wire mesh model of said individual connected to other points on the surface of said model in accordance with said topology data stored in said storage means defining topology data for said computer model of a generic person.

23. Apparatus in accordance with claim 22, wherein said model generation means is arranged to generate geometry data comprising points representative of a predefined number of points on the surface of a model of an individual in a predetermined stance based upon a comparison between points identified by said scanning means and said determination means corresponding to points on the surface of a model of a generic person and interpolation of points on the surface of said model of said individual which are not identified as corresponding to points identified by said scanning means and said determination means.

24. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein said model generation means is arranged to generate a texture rendering function for texture rendering polygons of a wire mesh computer model of an individual in a predetermined stance by processing image data obtained by said at least one camera of an individual in said pose and comparing said image data with a representation of said computer model of said individual said pose.

25. Apparatus in accordance claim 1 wherein said data input means is arranged to obtain data of an individual representative of the external appearance of said individual in a plurality of poses, said apparatus further comprising data processing means operable to process said data to calculate composite data representative of the surface of said individual in a single pose.

26. Apparatus in accordance with claim 25 wherein said data processing means is arranged to generate said composite data on the basis of said determination by said pose calculation means of the poses adopted by the individual wherein said processing means is arranged to adjust said data for an individual so that data obtained by a plurality of poses corresponds to data representative of a single pose.

27. Apparatus in accordance with claim 26, wherein said data processing means is arranged to adjust data determined as corresponding to the same points on the surface of an individual in data representative of said individual in different poses so that said points of said individual in said different poses correspond to the same points on the surface of a model of said individual.

28. Apparatus in accordance with claim 27, wherein said data processing means is arranged to adjust data representative of an individual in a pose to remove data representative of parts of the surface of an individual in a pose which corresponds to parts of the surface of an individually which is represented in another set of data obtained of said individual in another pose.

29. Apparatus for generating computer animations of an individual representative of the movement of said individual comprising:

apparatus for generating computer models of individuals in accordance with claim 1, means for storing data representative of a sequence of animation instructions and means for displaying representations of said generated computer model of an individual in poses in accordance with said animation instructions using said generated model.

30. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

means for inputting model identification data; and

means for transmitting said model of said individual and said model identification data to a server.

31. Apparatus in accordance with claim 30, further comprising a printer for printing a hard copy information carrier having recorded thereon identification data for identifying a computer model transmitted to a server.

32. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising recording means for recording on an information carrier data representative of said computer model generated by said model generation means.

52. An apparatus for generating computer models of individuals in accordance with claim 1, further comprising weighing means for obtaining weight data of an individual;

wherein said generation means is arranged to generate a computer model of said individual on the basis of a comparison of the volume of a model of a generic person scaled so as to occupy a volume corresponding to the expected volume of a model of an individual having said weight.

53. Apparatus in accordance with claim 52, wherein said model generation means is arranged to combine portions of a model generated on the basis of comparison of data representative of the external appearance of an individual and data generated of said model of a person in said pose determined by said determination means, and a model of a generic person scaled to have a representative volume representative of the volume of a model of an individual having the weight of said individual from whom weight data has been obtained.

54. Apparatus in accordance with claim 53, wherein said model generation means is arranged to generate a texture rendering function for rendering the colour on a model of an individual wherein said texture rendering function is generated on the basis of a stored texture rendering function for a generic individual and image data obtained for an image of an individual'"'"'s face.

112. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein said means providing a predefined background comprises a curtain.

113. Apparatus in accordance with claim 112, wherein said means providing a predefined background further comprises means for placing said curtain in tension.

114. Apparatus in accordance with claim 113, wherein said means for placing said curtain in tension comprises a housing from which extends a curtain rail to which the top of the curtain is attached;

and

a floor extending from said housing, wherein the bottom of said curtain is attached to said floor.

115. Apparatus in accordance with claim 114 wherein said at least one camera is mounted on said housing, said housing further comprising highly means for illuminating said predefined background.

116. Apparatus in accordance with claim 4 further comprising:

means for projecting structured light on at least part of an individual in a pose;

wherein said model generation means is arranged to utilise image data of an individual onto which structured light is projected to generate a computer model of at least part of the individual onto which structured light is projected.

33. A method for generating computer models of individuals for generating graphical representations of individuals in different poses comprising:

storing a computer model of a generic person in a predefined pose;

scanning an individual to obtain data representative of the surface of an individual in a pose;

determining the orientations of an individual'"'"'s limbs in the pose adopted by an individual scanned in said scanning step;

generating a computer representation of said generic person in which the model'"'"'s limbs are oriented in accordance with the orientations determined in said determination step;

comparing said data representative of the external appearance of an individual in said pose with data generated of said stored generic model of a person in said pose determined in said determination step; and

generating a computer model of said individual on the basis of said comparison.

34. A method in accordance with claim 33 wherein said scanning step comprises scanning an individual using laser stripe scanning apparatus to identify a plurality of points on the surface of an individual in said pose.

35. A method in accordance with claim 33, wherein said scanning step comprises obtaining data representative of an outline of said individual in said pose.

36. A method in accordance with claim 33, wherein said scanning step comprises obtaining image data using a camera.

37. A method in accordance with claim 36, wherein said scanning step further comprises means for processing image data of an individual in a pose to obtain an outline of said individual in said pose.

38. A method in accordance with claim 37, wherein said processing step comprises processing said image data to identify portions of said image data corresponding to background by performing a thresholding operation.

39. A method in accordance with claim 33, further comprising instructing a user to adopt a predefined pose.

40. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein said instruction comprises displaying an illustration of said pose to be adopted by said individual.

41. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein said instructions comprises broadcasting oral instructions to an individual to adopt a specific pose.

42. A method in accordance with claim 33, wherein said determination of the orientation of limbs comprises identifying a plurality of points on the surface of an individual;

and calculating the relative orientation of said limbs from the relative positions of said identified points.

43. A method in accordance with claim 39, wherein said plurality of points identified from said scan data comprise any of the top of the user'"'"'s head either side of a user'"'"'s neck the tips of the user'"'"'s hands, the tips of the user'"'"'s feet, the user'"'"'s armpits and the user'"'"'s crotch.

44. A method in accordance with claim 33, wherein said comparison step comprises identifying the scale of obtained data representative of the surface of an individual;

and generating a scaled model of a person scaled in accordance with said identified scale.

45. A method in accordance with claim 33, wherein said comparison step comprises calculating the relative position of a number of points on the surface of an individual identified by said scan data relative to corresponding points on the surface of a computer representation of a generic person in said pose and generating a computer model of an individual comprising geometry data representative of the surface of said individual in a predetermined stance, comprising the relative positioning of a predetermined number of points on the surface of a model of said individual in said predetermined stance being points representative of a wire mesh model of said individual connected to other points on the surface of said model in accordance with a predetermined topology.

46. A method in accordance with claim 33, further comprising generating a texture rendering function for texture rendering polygons of a wire mesh computer model of an individual in a predetermined stance by processing image data of said individual in at least one pose and comparing said image data with a representation of said computer model of said individual in said at least one pose.

47. A method in accordance with claim 33 scanning an individual in a plurality of poses wherein said generation of said computer model is based upon data obtained in said plurality of scans.

48. A method in accordance with claim 33, further comprising:

means for inputting model identification data; and

means for transmitting said model of said individual and said model identification data to a server.

49. A method in accordance with claim 33, further comprising the step of recording on an information carrier data representative of said computer model generated by said model generation means.

50. A method for generating computer animations of an individual representative of the movement of said individual comprising:

the steps of generating computer models of individuals in accordance with claim 33, storing data representative of a sequence of animation instructions and displaying representations of said generated computer model of an individual in poses in accordance with said animation instructions generated by said animation means.

117. A method of generating data for representing an individual in a computer game comprising the steps of:

generating a computer model of an individual in accordance with claim 33;

generating image data of said individual in a plurality of predefined poses, wherein said poses comprise poses utilised within a computer game; and

generating data for representing said individual in said computer game utilising said generated image data.

51. A method for generating computer models of individuals for generating graphical representations of individuals in different poses comprising the steps of:

storing a computer model of a generic person;

inputting data representative of the external appearance of an individual in a pose;

inputting data indicative of the orientations of the individual'"'"'s limbs in said pose;

generating a computer representation of said generic person in which the limbs of said model are oriented in accordance with the input orientations;

comparing said input data representative of the external appearance of said individual with data generated of said generic person in said pose adopted by said individual as defined by said input data; and

generating a computer model of said individual on the basis of said comparison.

55. A method of generating a computer model of an individual comprising the steps of:

paying for the generation of said model;

capturing image data representative of an individual;

dispensing a password;

generating a model of said individual on the basis of said image data; and

transferring data representative of said computer model to a computer apparatus on the basis of receipt of said password.

56. A process of generating a computer model of an individual comprising:

instructing an individual to adopt a plurality of predefined poses;

capturing image data of said individual;

after they have been instructed to adopt each of said plurality of poses;

dispensing a password;

generating a computer model of said individual on the basis of said image data of said individual in said plurality of poses and transferring data representative of said computer model to a computer apparatus on the receipt of said password.

57. An apparatus for generating computer models of individuals said apparatus comprising:

a booth for receiving an individual;

apparatus for obtaining image data of an individual within said booth in four orthogonal poses;

means for obtaining outlines of individuals from said image data;

means for processing said outlines and a stored generic model of an individual to generate a computer model of said individual; and

means for texture rendering said generated computer model using said image data.

58. A booth in accordance with claim 57, further comprising means for identifying portions of an outline indicative of points on the surface of an individual which are not contiguous with each other;

and

processing means for processing an outline to replace portions of an outline corresponding to non-contiguous portions of the surface of an individual with an estimate of an outline corresponding to contiguous points on the surface of an individual.

59. Apparatus for generating computer models of individuals comprising:

means for obtaining image data representative of an individual seated in a wheelchair; and

means for generating a computer model of an individual seated in a wheelchair on the basis of said image data.

60. A method of generating computer models of individuals in the absence of clothing comprising the steps of:

storing a computer model of the shape and appearance of a generic person;

obtaining image data of an individual wearing clothing, wherein at least some of the surface of said individual is not covered by clothing; and

generating a computer model of said individual utilising said image data of portions of said individual not covered by clothing to generate a model of said portion of said body and said stored computer model to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

61. A method in accordance with claim 60 wherein the generated model of the appearance of the portions of said individual covered by clothing are determined by said stored model of the appearance of the corresponding portions of a generic person and a determined skin tone colour, determined utilising said image data of said portions of said individual not covered by clothing.

62. A method in accordance with claim 61 wherein said image data of portions of said individual not covered by clothing comprise at least image data of either the face or hands of said individual.

63. A method in accordance with claim 60, wherein said storage step comprises;

storing computer models corresponding to a plurality of body types, wherein said method further comprises the steps of;

selecting a body type to generate a computer model of an individual; and

utilising said computer model corresponding to said selected body type to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

64. A method in accordance with claim 63 wherein said body types comprise computer models of individuals of different sexes, ages or heights.

65. A method in accordance with claim 60, further comprising the steps of storing variation data identifying the manner in which the shape of an individual varies in dependence upon weight of an individual;

obtaining weight data indicative of the weight of an individual of whom a model is to be generated;

wherein the generation of a computer model comprises utilising a computer model of a generic person modified in accordance with said variation data and said weight data to generate a model of the portions of said individuals covered by clothing.

66. A method of generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual comprising the steps of:

storing a computer model of a mannequin in the absence of clothing;

obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing an item of clothing;

generating a computer model of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing utilising said image data; and

generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual on the basis of a determination of the differences between said stored model and said generated model.

67. A method in accordance with claim 66 wherein said obtaining step comprises steps of:

generating an image of an item of clothing; and

combining said generated image of an item of clothing with a generated image of a said mannequin.

68. A method in accordance with claim 66, further comprising the steps of:

providing a mannequin;

dressing said mannequin with said item of clothing; and

obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing, wherein said stored model comprises a stored model of said provided mannequin.

69. A method in accordance with claim 66, further comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of mannequins

storing computer models of said plurality of mannequins;

selecting a mannequin; and

dressing said selected mannequin with said item of clothing and obtaining image data, wherein said generation of data comprises the determination of the differences between a computer model generated from said image data and the stored computer model for said selected mannequin.

70. A method in accordance with claim 69, wherein a plurality of mannequins are provided having different surface colours wherein said selection step comprises selecting a mannequin of a contrasting colour to said item of clothing.

71. A method in accordance with claim 69 wherein a plurality of mannequins are provided having different shapes, wherein said selection step comprises selecting a mannequin of an appropriate shape for wearing said item of clothing.

72. A method in accordance with claim 71 wherein said plurality of mannequins are provided comprising mannequins having male and female anatomical shapes.

73. A method in accordance with claim 66 wherein said generated data comprises shape data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the shape of an individual, and a texture rendering function for texture rendering the surface of a computer model of an individual modified utilising said shape data.

74. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said texture rendering function comprises data indicative of a colour texture map.

75. A method in accordance with claim 73 wherein said texture rendering function comprises data indicative of a black and white texture map and colour data indicative of one or more colours in which an item of clothing is available.

76. A method in accordance with claim 66 further comprising the step of recording said generated data on a storage medium.

111. A storage medium having recorded thereon data indetifying the manner in which items of clothing alter the appearance of an individual generated in accordance with the method of claim 66.

77. A method of generating a computer model of an individual wearing a selected item of clothing comprising the steps of:

obtaining a computer model of an individual in the absence of clothing;

obtaining data indicative of the manner in which each of a plurality of items of clothing alter the appearance of an individual;

selecting an item of clothing from said plurality of items of clothing; and

generating a computer model of said individual wearing said selected item of clothing utilising said computer model and said obtained data for said selected item of clothing.

78. A method in accordance with claim 77 wherein said obtaining a computer model comprises:

storing a computer model of the shape and appearance of a generic person;

obtaining image data of an individual wearing clothing, wherein at least some of the surface of said individual is not covered by clothing; and

generating a computer model of said individual utilising said image data of portions of said individual not covered by clothing to generate a model of said portion of said body and said stored computer model to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

79. A method in accordance with claim 77 wherein said obtaining data comprises:

storing a computer model of a mannequin in the absence of clothing;

obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing an item of clothing;

generating a computer model of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing utilising said image data; and

generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual on the basis of a determination of the differences between said stored model and said generated model.

80. A method in accordance with claim 77, wherein said model of an individual comprises data indicative of the shape and appearance of an individual, wherein said generation step comprises the steps of:

generating a model of the shape said individual wearing a selected item of clothing by utilising said data indicative of the shape of said individual and data indicative of the manner in which said selected item of clothing alters the shape of an individual; and

generating a model of the appearance of the surface of said individual wearing said selected item of clothing utilising said data indicative of the appearance of said individual and data indicative of the appearance of surface of said selected item of clothing.

81. A method in accordance with claim 80 wherein said generated model comprises a computer model of said individual wearing a selected plurality of items of clothing, wherein each of said selected items of clothing is associated with data indicative of the relative position of said items of clothing to each other and the skin of an individual wearing a said item of clothing, and said generating step comprises the steps of:

generating data indicative of the appearance of said individual utilising, for portions of said model corresponding to unclothed portions model of said individual in the absence of clothing; and

for the remaining portions said data modified by data for the manner in which said appearance is altered by the outermost item of clothing worn at said remaining portions of said model.

82. A method in accordance with claim 81 wherein said generation step comprises steps of:

for each of said plurality of items of clothing;

determining which item of clothing of said selected items of clothing is worn next closest to the skin;

generating a model of an individual wearing said determined item of clothing by modifying a model of said individual wearing items of clothing beneath said item of clothing; and

utilising said generated model of said individual wearing said determined item of clothing to generate a model of said individual wearing said next outermost item of clothing.

83. A method of obtaining order data for items of clothing comprising steps of:

receiving selection data identifying an item of clothing;

generating model of an individual wearing a selected item of clothing identified by said selection data in accordance with claim 77; and

displaying image data generated utilising said generated model as part of a user input interface for inputting order data for ordering said item of clothing identified by said selection data.

84. A method of obtaining order data in accordance with claim 83 further comprising the step of:

receiving colour selection data wherein said generation of a model of an individual comprises generating a model of an individual wearing an item of clothing corresponding to said colour selection data, wherein said user input interface is adapted for inputting order data for ordering said item of clothing in said colour corresponding to said colour selection data.

85. Apparatus for generating computer models of individuals in the absence of clothing comprising:

storage means for storing a computer model of the shape and appearance of a generic person;

image input means for obtaining image data of an individual wearing clothing, wherein at least some of the surface of said individual is not covered by clothing; and

model generation means for generating a computer model of said individual utilising said image data of portions of said individual not covered by clothing to generate a model of said portions of said body and said stored computer model stored in said storage means to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

86. An apparatus in accordance with claim 85 wherein said model generation means is arranged to determine the appearance of the portions of said individual covered by clothing, utilising said stored model of the appearance of the corresponding portions of a generic person and a determined skin tone colour, determined utilising said image data of said portions of said individual not covered by clothing.

87. Apparatus in accordance with claim 85, wherein said storage means is arranged to store computer models corresponding to a plurality of body types, said apparatus further comprising:

selection means for selecting a body type to generate a computer model of an individual, wherein said model generation means is arranged to utilise said computer model corresponding to said selected body type to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

88. An apparatus in accordance with claim 87 wherein said body types comprise computer models of individuals of different sexes, ages or heights.

89. An apparatus in accordance with claim 85 further comprising:

weighing means for obtaining weight data indicative of the weight of an individual of whom a model is to be generated;

wherein said storage means is arranged to store variation data identifying the manner in which the shape of an individual varies in dependence upon weight of an individual; and

said model generation means is arranged to generate a model of an individual utilising a computer model of a generic person modified in accordance with said variation data and said weight data obtained for said individual to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

90. Apparatus for generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual comprising:

means for storing a computer model of a mannequin in the absence of clothing;

means for obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing an item of clothing;

means for generating a computer model of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing utilising said image data; and

means for generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual on the basis of a determination of the differences between said stored model and said generated model.

91. Apparatus in accordance with claim 90 wherein said means for obtaining image data comprises:

means for generating an image of an item of clothing; and

means for combining said generated image of an item of clothing with a generated image of a said mannequin.

92. Apparatus in accordance with claim 90 further comprising:

a mannequin; and

said item of clothing for which data is to be generated, wherein said means for obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing comprises a camera.

93. Apparatus in accordance with claim 92, wherein said means for obtaining image data comprises a means for providing a predefined background against which said image data of mannequin may be obtained.

94. Apparatus in accordance with claim 93, further comprising a turntable, wherein said mannequin is adapted to be fixed to said turntable, and wherein when said mannequin is fixed to said turntable, said turntable is arranged to present different views of said mannequin in front of said background to said camera, when said turntable is turned.

95. Apparatus in accordance with claim 92, further comprising:

a plurality of mannequins; and

selection input means for inputting data identifying a selected one of said mannequins;

wherein said means for storing has stored therein computer models of said plurality of mannequins; and

said means for said generation a computer model is arranged to determine the differences between a computer model generated from said image data and the stored computer model corresponding to data input identifying a selected mannequin.

96. Apparatus in accordance with claim 95, wherein a plurality of mannequins comprise mannequins having different surface colours.

97. Apparatus in accordance with claim 95 wherein said plurality of mannequins comprise mannequins having different shapes.

98. Apparatus in accordance with claim 97 wherein said plurality of mannequins comprises mannequins having male and female anatomical shapes.

99. Apparatus in accordance with claim 90 wherein said means for generating a computer model is arranged to output model data comprising shape data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the shape of an individual, and a texture rendering function for texture rendering the surface of a computer model of an individual modified utilising said shape data.

100. Apparatus in accordance with claim 90 wherein said texture rendering function comprises data indicative of a colour texture map.

101. Apparatus in accordance with claim 100 wherein said texture rendering function comprises data indicative of a black and white texture map and colour data indicative of one or more colours in which an item of clothing is available.

102. Apparatus in accordance with claim 90 further comprising means for recording data indicative of said generated model on a storage medium.

103. Apparatus for generating a computer model of an individual wearing a selected item of clothing comprising:

first receiving means for obtaining a computer model of an individual in the absence of clothing;

second receiving means for obtaining data indicative of the manner in which each of a plurality of items of clothing alter the appearance of an individual;

clothing selection means for selecting an item of clothing from said plurality of items of clothing; and

clothing model generation means generating a computer model of said individual wearing said selected item of clothing utilising said computer model and said obtained data for said selected item of clothing.

104. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103 wherein said first receiving means comprises:

storage means for storing a computer model of the shape and appearance of a generic person;

image input means for obtaining image data of an individual wearing clothing, wherein at least some of the surface of said individual is not covered by clothing; and

model generation means for generating a computer model of said individual utilising said image data of portions of said individual not covered by clothing to generate a model of said portions of said body and said stored computer model stored in said storage means to generate a model of the portions of said individual covered by clothing.

105. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103 wherein said second receiving means comprises:

means for storing a computer model of a mannequin in the absence of clothing;

means for obtaining image data of said mannequin wearing an item of clothing;

means for generating a computer model of said mannequin wearing said item of clothing utilising said image data; and

means for generating data indicative of the manner in which an item of clothing alters the appearance of an individual on the basis of a determination of the differences between said stored model and said generated model.

106. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103 wherein said model of an individual comprises data indicative of the shape and appearance of an individual, wherein said clothing model generation means comprises:

means for generating a model of the shape said individual wearing a selected item of clothing by utilising said data indicative of the shape of said individual and data indicative of the manner in which said selected item of clothing alters the shape of an individual; and

means for generating a model of the appearance of the surface of said individual wearing said selected item of clothing utilising said data indicative of the appearance of said individual and data indicative of the appearance of surface of said selected items of clothing.

107. Apparatus in accordance with claim 106, wherein said generated model generated by said clothing model generation means comprises a computer model of an individual wearing a selected plurality of items of clothing, further comprising association means associating said selected items of clothing with data indicative of the relative position of said item of clothing to each other and the skin of an individual wearing a said item of clothing, and wherein said clothing model generation means is arranged to generated data indicative of the appearance of said individual utilising, for portions of said model corresponding to unclothed portions model of said individual in the absence of clothing;

and for the remaining portions said data modified by data for the manner in which said appearance is altered by the outermost item of clothing worn at said remaining portions of said model.

108. Apparatus in accordance with claim 107 wherein said clothed model generation means is arranged for each of said plurality of items of clothing to:

determine which item of clothing of said selected items of clothing is worn next closest to the skin;

generate a model of an individual wearing said determined item of clothing by modifying a model of said individual wearing items of clothing beneath said item of clothing; and

utilising said generated model of said individual wearing said determined item of clothing to generate model of said individual wearing said next outermost item of clothing.

109. Apparatus for obtaining order data for items of clothing comprising:

means for receiving selection data identifying an item of clothing;

means for generating model of an individual wearing a selected item of clothing identified by said selection data in accordance with claim 103; and

display means displaying image data generated utilising said generated model as part of a user input interface for enabling the input order data for ordering said item of clothing identified by said selection data.

110. Apparatus for obtaining order data in accordance with claim 109 further comprising:

means for receiving colour selection data wherein said generation of a model of an individual comprises generating a model of an individual wearing an item of clothing corresponding to said colour selection data, wherein said user input interface is adapted for inputting order data for ordering said item of clothing in said colour corresponding to said colour selection data.

118. An apparatus for generating computer models of individuals for generating graphical representations of individuals in different poses comprising:

memory for storing a computer model of a generic person;

model generator for generating representations of a computer model of the surface of a person in poses in accordance with pose instructions identifying the orientation of a model'"'"'s limbs in a pose;

data input device for obtaining data representative of the surface of an individual in a pose;

pose calculator for determining the orientations of an individual'"'"'s limbs in a pose adopted by an individual in the data obtained by said data input means;

comparator for comparing said obtained data and data generated by said means for generating representations of said model of a person in a pose in which the model'"'"'s limbs are oriented in accordance with the orientations determined by said pose calculation means, and

model generator operable to utilize said comparison by said comparison means to generate a computer model of said individual for generating computer graphical representations of said individual in different poses.