3D Image Modeling for Infant Mid-Section Dimension Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the mid-section dimensions of individuals, particularly infants and young children, are error-prone and inconvenient, often requiring manual measurement or specialized hardware, and are limited by the need for stillness and proper positioning, which can be challenging for young subjects.

Innovation Solution

A 3D image modeling system and method that uses digital imaging to obtain images of an individual's mid-section, processes them to create a rough 3D model, and maps a parametric model to generate a fitted 3D model, allowing for accurate determination of mid-section dimensions like waist, leg, and rise dimensions without the need for specialized hardware or stillness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used to determine mid-section dimensions, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemid-section dimension measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated image processing system that captures digital images and uses computer vision algorithms to automatically determine mid-section dimensions, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use through automated processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical subject and processes this copy to extract dimensional information, allowing accurate measurement without direct physical contact or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If prior art 3D imaging solutions are used, then 3D modeling capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to specialized hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D dimension determination accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables standard mobile device cameras to perform 3D imaging functions by capturing multiple 2D images from different angles and synthesizing them into a 3D model, making the technology accessible through universally available devices rather than specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses software algorithms as an intermediary to transform standard camera images into 3D models, bridging the gap between simple 2D image capture and complex 3D reconstruction without requiring specialized hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If prior art 3D imaging methods are used, then 3D modeling is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to subject movement and positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimension determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures multiple images in rapid succession before the subject can move significantly, and uses alignment algorithms to correct for minor movements, ensuring reliable measurements without requiring the subject to remain perfectly still

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates movement compensation algorithms that dynamically adjust for subject motion between frames, allowing accurate 3D modeling even when the subject moves slightly during image capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If weight-based sizing recommendations are used, then sizing guidance is provided, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to poor correlation with actual physical dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesizing determination simplicityVSAvoidproduct fit accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces weight-based empirical sizing with direct optical measurement of physical dimensions through image analysis, providing accurate dimensional data that directly correlates with actual body measurements for precise product fitting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11875468B2Three-dimensional (3D) image modeling systems and methods for determining respective mid-section dimensions of individuals
Publication Date: 2024.01.16 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • US11875468B2 patent drawing
  • US11875468B2 patent drawing
  • US11875468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Three-dimensional (3D) image modeling systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining respective mid-section dimensions of individuals. Digital image(s) depicting at least a mid-section portion of an individual are obtained. A fit finder application (app) determines a rough 3D model based on the digital image(s). A parametric 3D model of a predefined individual is mapped to the rough 3D model in virtual 3D space to generate a fitted 3D model indicative of a physical size of at least the mid-section portion of the individual in ordinary space. A mid-section dimension of the individual is then determined based on the fitted 3D model.