Computer implemented methods and systems for generating virtual body models for garment fit visualisation

Abstract

Methods for generating and sharing a virtual body model of a person, created with a small number of measurements and a single photograph, combined with one or more images of garments. The virtual body model represents a realistic representation of the users body and is used for visualizing photo-realistic fit visualizations of garments, hairstyles, make-up, and / or other accessories. The virtual garments are created from layers based on photographs of real garment from multiple angles. Furthermore the virtual body model is used in multiple embodiments of manual and automatic garment, make-up, and, hairstyle recommendations, such as, from channels, friends, and fashion entities. The virtual body model is sharable for, as example, visualization and comments on looks. Furthermore it is also used for enabling users to buy garments that fit other users, suitable for gifts or similar. The implementation can also be used in peer-to-peer online sales where garments can be bought with the knowledge that the seller has a similar body shape and size as the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 000,088, filed Dec. 27, 2013, which claims the priority of PCT / GB2012 / 050365, filed on Feb. 17, 2012, which claims priority to Great Britain Application No. 1102794.3, filed on Feb. 17, 2011; Great Britain Application No. 1111464.2, filed on Jul. 5, 2011; Great Britain Application No. 1112931.9, filed on Jul. 27, 2011; and Great Britain Application No. 1118467.8, filed on Oct. 25, 2011, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated in total by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The field of the invention relates to methods for generating and sharing a virtual body model of a person combined with an image of a garment, methods for generating an image of a user in a garment, methods for automatically generating garment size recommendations, methods for visualising generating make-up and hairstyle recommendations, methods o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]The system uses depth stereo to improve post-processing, namely to automatically differentiate pixels in the image that correspond to a garment from pixels in the image that do not correspond to the garment and to then cut the image of the garment from the background and then use that image in generating a virtual 3D image of the garment.

[0037]The system enables the virtual body model to be accessible or useable by any type of display device (e.g. television, tablet computer, mobile telephone) that is operable to use an extensible image framework; that images of a garment can on any such display device be seen as combined onto the virtual body model, to enable a user to visualise what the garment will look like when worn by them.

[0042]The system provides a method of generating a virtual body model, in which a user takes a photograph of their body which is then processed by a computer system to generate and display a virtual body, together with an approximate silhouette of the body, and the user is able to manipulate the border or edge of the silhouette to make a silhouette that more accurately matches the outline of the virtual body.

[0043]The system provides a method of generating a virtual body model, in which a user takes a photograph of their body which is then processed by a computer system to generate and display a virtual body model using, at least, the body image and the user is presented with controls that enable the shape and / or measurements of the virtual body model to be altered to more accurately match the user's real or perceived shape and / or measurements, in which the user is presented with an on-screen field or control that enables the user to provide feedback about the accuracy of the virtual body model.

Problems solved by technology

Such systems do not permit foreground objects located near to and overlapping each other in the foreground part of the scene causing occlusion, to be readily discriminated from each other.

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