3D Limb Scanning for Knitted Garment Row-by-Row Fit Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing custom-tailored knitted garments reduce a complete three-dimensional dataset of a limb to a limited number of circumference values at predefined measurement positions, which may not accurately reflect the knitting rows, leading to potential loss of information and issues with fit and optical appearance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that uses a 3D scan dataset to determine production values by calculating the number of knitting rows and their circumference values, applying smoothing filters, and adjusting production parameters based on optics adaptation criteria to ensure a perfect fit and optimal appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a complete three-dimensional dataset of the limb is reduced to a limited number of circumference values at predefined measurement positions, then the production process is simplified, but information is lost and fit precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction process simplicityVSAvoidfit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a 3D scanning device to create a digital copy (three-dimensional dataset) of the limb surface geometry. This digital model preserves complete geometric information without physical contact, allowing precise determination of production values while simplifying the manufacturing process. The copying principle enables transition from physical measurement to digital representation, maintaining accuracy while improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the complete three-dimensional dataset into a specific parameter set (production values including circumference values, knitting row information, and stitch counts) through automated evaluation. This parameter transformation process extracts only the necessary production-relevant data from the comprehensive 3D scan, optimizing both manufacturing simplicity and fit precision by converting raw geometric data into actionable production parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If circumference values are determined only at predefined measurement positions, then measurement process is simplified, but the values may not correspond to actual knitting rows leading to information loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidknitting row correspondence information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D scanning creates a complete digital surface model that captures the entire limb geometry, not just discrete measurement points. This digital copy allows subsequent automated identification of knitting row positions and calculation of circumference values at any desired location, preserving information about the relationship between measurement positions and actual knitting rows while keeping the measurement process simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional linear measurement at discrete points to three-dimensional surface scanning. This dimensional upgrade enables the system to determine circumference values at any position along the limb, including precise correspondence to knitting rows, by evaluating the 3D surface model rather than relying on limited predefined measurement positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If traditional manual measurement methods are used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but measurement precision and automation level remain low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment requirementsVSAvoidcircumference measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tapes, calipers) with an automated 3D scanning system. The scanning device captures complete surface geometry digitally, and automated algorithms evaluate the data to determine production values. This substitution of mechanical measurement systems with optical/digital systems significantly improves measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of standard 3D scanning technology.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11941756B2Computer-implemented method, determination system, computer program and electronically readable storage medium for determining production values for producing a custom-tailored knitted garment
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 MEDI GMBH & CO KG
  • US11941756B2 patent drawing
  • US11941756B2 patent drawing
  • US11941756B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention discloses a computer-implemented method for determining production values for producing a custom-tailored knitted garment for a limb of a person. A 3D scan device acquires a three-dimensional data of a limb. A height value describing the dimension of a knitting row in the lengthwise direction of the limb and a total length value for at least one lengthwise section of the garment are provided, and the number of knitting rows for one section of the garment is determined by dividing the total length value by the height value. A circumference information describing the circumference of the limb is derived by evaluating the three-dimensional dataset. A circumference value for each n-th knitting row or each knitting row except every n-th knitting row is determined from the circumference information. The circumference value is used for determining production values for the knitted garment.