Wig preparation method

Abstract

A wig preparation method comprises the steps of taking a 3D scan of the individual’s head 301 using a LiDAR scanner, creating a 3D map of the individual’s head based on the 3D scan, digitally analysin

Description

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a wig, particularly to bespoke wig preparation using a 3D scan. Background Currently the method for making bespoke wigs is costly, time consuming and the outcome is dependent on the skill of the maker. Firstly, physical measurements are taken of the individual’s head directly, or a plaster cast of the head is used as a model. Wig Sections are then chosen based on the measurements to match the individual’s head as closely as possible. Due to the difference in scalp size and shape of each individual, manual measurements of the head do not always produce well-fitting and comfortable wigs. The sections which blend in with the skin to give the illusion the hair is growing from the scalp are either a closure or a frontal. The main difference between a closure and a frontal lies in their size and coverage area. Closures are smaller and cover a specific section of the head, while frontals are larger and cover the entire front hairline. Closures are commonly used for partial hair coverage and creating realistic partings, while frontals are used for full hairline coverage and more versatile styling options. Currently, whether a closure or a frontal is chosen for an individual’s wig is based on the measurements, a visual analysis of the scalp and hair. Incorrect selection of the sections can be costly, lack versatility and result in an unnatural looking wig. It is an aim of the invention to provide a method for manufacturing wigs that mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wig preparation method comprising: taking a 3D scan of the individual’s head using a LiDAR scanner, creating a 3D map of the individual’s head based on the 3D scan, digitally analysing the 3D map to determine a plurality of discrete topologies of the individual’s head, searching a library of existing wig sections based on each discrete topology, automatically selecting an existing wig section having a form that is within a predetermined threshold of the discrete topology; the predetermined threshold being a predetermined minimum percentage match to the discrete topology, and where an existing wig section having a shape within the predetermined threshold does not exist in the library of existing wig sections, creating a new wig section having a form within the predetermined threshold of the discrete topology, and producing the new wig section. The LiDAR scanning provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual's unique scalp shape and size. The point cloud data from LiDAR scanning can be used to create an accurate 3D computational model of the profile of the individual’s head. The 3D model or map can be discretised or split into the plurality of topologies. This data can be used to customise the closure or frontal to match the specific scalp contours and achieve a natural appearance. The 3D scan provides the information necessary to make the optimal wig in terms of fit for both comfort and appearance. The method may further comprise digitally storing the discrete topology of the individual’s head such that wigs can be prepared for that individual in future without the need for re-scanning. The method may further comprises creating the new wig section that is within the predetermined threshold of a plurality of discrete topologies, e.g. as many stored discrete topologies as possible, such that the new wig sections have optimal reuse. The creation of a new wig section may comprise creation of a 3D computational model or specification of the wig section. The method may further comprise storing the new wig section in the library, e.g. such that a library of wig sections expands over time to reduce time and costs of future bespoke wig production. The method may further comprise performing the 3D scan with a mobile phone. The method may further comprise transmitting a specification / model of the new wig section to a 3D printer and printing the new wig section. The method may further comprise digitally analysing the 3D map to determine one or more parameter such as any or any combination of: head circumference; head length; head width; existing hair placement; and existing hair coverage. The parameters may be digitally stored. The method may further comprise: analysing the 3D map to determine the surface area of the individual’s head, determining whether the existing hair coverage is less than a specified percentage, e.g. 50%, of the surface area of the individual’s head, and if the existing hair coverage is less than 50% of the surface area of the individual’s head auto selecting a frontal from the library of existing wig sections or creating a new frontal wig section. The method may further comprise determining whether the existing hair coverage is less than 50% in an area of the head less between 25cm2 and 40cm2, and if the existing hair is less than 50% in an area of the head less between 25cm2 and 40cm2 auto selecting a closure from the library of existing wig sections or creating a new closure wig section. The method may further comprise customising the length, colour or style of the wig section. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a wig preparation system comprising: a LiDAR scanner for taking a 3D scan of an individual’s head; a processor for analysing the 3D scan; a data carrier with a library of existing wig sections; wherein the processor is configured create a 3D map of the individual’s head based on the 3D scan; and, a processor arranged to discretise the 3D map to generate discrete topologies and compare those topologies to a library of existing wig sections, the processor automatically selecting an existing wig section having a form that is within a predetermined threshold of the discrete topology. The system may further comprise a 3D printer configured to print the new wig section. The LiDAR scanner may comprise a mobile phone. Detailed description Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a wig 100 according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a 3D scan being taken of an individual’s head in accordance with the invention. Figure 3 shows a 3D map of an individual’s head in accordance with the invention. Figure 4 shows a 3D map of an individual’s head with corresponding wig sections 401 in accordance with the invention. Figure 5 shows a plurality of wig sections in accordance with the invention. Figure 6 shows a 3D map of an individual’s head with corresponding wig sections and unknown segments in accordance with the invention. Figure 7a shows the unknown segment and the auto selected existing wig sections in accordance with the invention. Figure 7b shows a created section and the auto selected existing wig sections in accordance with the invention. Figure 1 illustrates a method of preparing a wig. The method includes smart cranial topographical mapping for wig-cap automated fitting process. 101: 3D-scanninq of an individual’s head A 3D scan of an individual’s head is taken as demonstrated in figure 2. The scanner 201 is moved around the individual’s head 202 such that the whole head is scanned. The scanner may be moved manually or attached to a device which rotates around the individual’s head. In this example, the scanning technology used is LiDAR. LiDAR is particularly effective when adapted for scalp measurements as it allows for a multi-layered 3D visual model of the head and hair to be created. LIDAR’s accuracy in sifting through objects that would obscure elevation and other articles allows both details of the head and hair to be captured in the scan. LiDAR scanning of the head may be performed using a mobile phone. It is particularly beneficial to use a mobile phone for the LiDAR scan as this requires no specialist equipment and the scan can be performed at any location convenient for the individual. Alternatively, any suitable LiDAR scanner which can be used on a human head is acceptable. Figure 3 shows a cranial topology of the individual’s head represented digitally as a mathematically constructed mesh-surface. This is also referred to as a 3D map 301 of the individual’s head. The 3D map 301 is created from the 3D scan taken of the individual’s head and comprises a plurality of discrete segments 302. 102: Analysis of the scan to determine parameters The topology of each discrete segment is analysed. An application is used to perform discrete topology analysis of the individual’s head. The application may be cross platform compatible. The application is preferably a mobile phone application. In addition to the discrete topology, parameters of the individual’s head may be extracted from the 3D scan as follows: • Head circumference • Head length • Head width • Existing hair pattern (placement and percentage coverage) Once extracted from the scan, the topology and other parameters of the individual’s head can be stored digitally such that wigs can be prepared for that individual in future without the need for re-scanning. The data may be stored on a profile created for the individual within the application or within an external database. 103: Existing section search The application has a library of existing wig sections. Each wig typically comprises at least one of two types of wig section, a frontal, or a closure. Data extracted from the scan is used to determine whether a frontal section or a closure section is most suitable for the individual. The parameters extracted regarding the existing hair pattern provide the information required for the application to select a closure or frontal. Analysing the parameters of the existing hair pattern allows the application to understanding the natural hairline and determine the areas that need coverage. Once the areas that need coverage have been determines the application can automatically select which hair silk option (closure or frontal) would best match the natural hairline and create a seamless blend between the wig and the scalp. For example, the percentage coverage of the existing hair pattern can be calculated from the parameters obtained. If the percentage coverage of the existing hair pattern is less than or equal to a pre-set percentage threshold tolerance a frontal is automatically selected for the wig. For example, if the existing hair pattern is less than or equal to 50%, 55% or 60% of the head area, then a frontal is automatically selected for the wig. If the percentage coverage is over the percentage where a frontal is automatically selected, the placement of hair over the head is then analysed. If the hair is disproportionately distributed along the head area, for example, if there is significant hair thinning or loss in relatively small area, then a closure is chosen. If there is less than 50% hair in an area of 25.8cm2, 32.3cm2 or 38.7cm2 then a closure is automatically selected for the wig. The selection of the closures is determined by the size of the area which there is a low percentage coverage. The closure chosen must have a larger area than the area requiring coverage but must not be larger than the area by more than 6.5cm2. When a wig is attached to the head, the topology of the head i.e., the shape / curvature and scalp contour, can affect the fit and coverage. Once the application has determined whether a closure or frontal is to be used, and the size thereof, the application reviews the library of existing wig sections to determine if there are any suitable existing sections based on the size and shape required for the discrete segments of the individual’s head. The topology of each discrete segment 302 is searched against the library of existing wig sections for a match. 104: Auto selection for wig production Figure 4 shows the 3D map 301 of the individual’s head with corresponding wig sections 401. A wig section with the highest percentage match to the topology is auto selected for each discrete segment with minimum percentage threshold tolerance set at a desirable fit. Figure 5 shows a plurality of auto selected wig sections 401, the percentage match of each section 502 and the overall percentage match 503. The default threshold tolerance is set at 80% topological match. If all of the segments find a match, a wig is produced from the sections auto selected. The auto selected sections can be manually fitted to a foundation. Alternatively, the auto selected section can be fitted to a foundation by a machine. Wig sections chosen based on analysis of the 3D scan ensures a wig is produced with a proper fit to minimize any discomfort or slippage. If there are no existing sections that meet the threshold tolerance, no existing section are auto selected. 105: Auto creation for wig production As the existing library of wig sections is finite, there is a possibility there will be not be a section which meets the threshold tolerance for every discrete segment of the individual’s head. Figure 6 shows the 3D map 301 of the individuals head with corresponding wig sections 401 and unknown segments 601 labelled x. The unknown segments correspond to discrete segments of the 3D map where no existing wig section meets the threshold tolerance. Figure 7a shows the unknown segment 601 labelled x, and auto selected existing wig sections 401, labelled 5 and 6. The unknown segment is located between segments wherein existing sections have been auto selected. If there are no sections which meet the threshold tolerance, a new section is created. Where a closure in the existing library does not meet the percentage threshold tolerance, a new closure is created. Where a frontal in the existing library does not meet the percentage threshold tolerance, a new frontal is created. Figure 7b shows created section 701 labelled 5A and auto selected existing wig sections 401, labelled 5 and 6. The new section is not created solely based on a match to the individual’s topology alone. The new section is created based on the percentage threshold tolerance to the individual’s topology and the percentage threshold tolerance of as many other topologies stored as possible. This creates wig sections which are optimal for reuse. The newly created section may be 3D printed. The features of the sections created are archived in the library of existing sections. The application learns from additional data input for future selections. For example, when the system again encounters an imperfect match between auto selected sections 5 and 6, the system will engage section 5A as a next match enquiry. The system does this as section 5A was custom created in the previous misfitting scenario, to match the unknown segment between sections 5 and 6. The system will then interrogate to establish if the section is adequate based on a desired percentage match. The system library will become highly populated with standard wig sections and topology reliances, and as such will become much quicker to perform adequate matching. Optional customisation In addition to the match to the discrete topology, the individual may customise the section required. Customisations do not alter the criteria and only relate to the hair on the sections. Where a section in the existing library meets the criteria from the 3D scan but does not meet the customisation requirements set by the individual, a new section may be created. Alternatively, a section matching the criteria is selected and the customisation is manually performed on the hair either before or after the sections have been added to the foundation. The search may also be limited by customisations such as length, colour, and style, and show no match even when the criteria is met. Every time a new section is created details of this section are archived within the library of sections. 30 08 24

Claims

1. A wig preparation method comprising:taking a 3D scan of the individual’s head using a LiDAR scanner;creating a 3D map of the individual’s head based on the 3D scan;digitally analysing the 3D map to determine a plurality of discrete topologies of the individual’s head;searching a library of existing wig sections based on each discrete topology; automatically selecting an existing wig section having a form that is within a predetermined threshold of the discrete topology, the predetermined threshold being a predetermined minimum percentage match to the discrete topology;andwhere an existing wig section having a shape within the predetermined threshold does not exist in the library of existing wig sections, creating a new wig section having a form within the predetermined threshold of the discrete topology; and producing the new wig section.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising digitally storing the plurality of discrete topologies of the individual’s head.

3. The method of any of the preceding claim, further comprising storing the new wig section in the library of existing wig sections.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising performing the 3D scan with a mobile phone.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising transmitting a specification of the new wig section to a 3D printer and printing the new wig section.30 08 246. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising digitally analysing the 3D map to determine one or more parameter such as any or any combination of: head circumference;head length;head width;existing hair placement; and existing hair coverage.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising digitally storing the parameters of the individual’s head.

8. The method of claims 6 or 7, further comprising: analysing the 3D map to determine the surface area of the individual’s head; determining whether the existing hair coverage is less than a specified percentage of the surface area of the individual’s head; and if the existing hair coverage is less than the specified percentage of the surface area of the individual’s head auto selecting a frontal from the library of existing wig sections or creating a new frontal wig section.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining whether the existing hair coverage is less than 50% in an area of the head less between 25cm2 and 40cm2; andif the existing hair is less than 50% in an area of the head less between 25cm2 and 40cm2 auto selecting a closure from the library of existing wig sections or creating a new closure wig section.10.The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising customising the length, colour or style of the wig section.11 .A wig preparation system comprising:a LiDAR scanner for taking a 3D scan of an individual’s head;a processor for analysing the 3D scan;30 08 24a data carrier with a library of existing wig sections;wherein the processor is configured create a 3D map of the individual’s head based on the 3D scan; anda processor arranged to discretise the 3D map to generate a plurality of discrete topologies and compare those topologies to a library of existing wig sections, the processor automatically selecting an existing wig section having a form that is within a predetermined threshold of the discrete topology, the predetermined threshold being a predetermined percentage match to the discrete topology;wherein the processor creates a new wig section having a form within the predetermined threshold of the discrete topology where an existing wig section having a shape within the predetermined threshold does not exist in the library of existing wig sections; wherein the system further comprises a 3D printer configured to print the new wig section.12.The system of claim 11, wherein the LiDAR scanner comprises a mobile phone.

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