3D Printed Apparel Simulation for Online Fit Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online apparel shopping is hindered by the inability to test fit and feel of items, leading to unsatisfactory experiences, returns, and financial losses, as reviews and avatars insufficiently convey the look, feel, and wear of apparel.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a user agent and a matching agent, connected via a network, uses 3D printing and sensors to simulate apparel items by generating and modifying artifacts based on 3D patterns, providing a realistic simulation of fit, feel, and appearance, allowing users to interact and receive feedback for accurate sizing and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If online shopping is used for apparel purchases, then convenience and accessibility are improved, but the ability to assess fit and feel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates physical 3D-printed copies of apparel items that replicate the tactile and fit characteristics of the original garments. Users can hold and interact with these physical copies online, receiving haptic feedback that simulates the feel of the actual apparel material and construction, thereby recovering the sensory information lost in traditional online shopping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a 3D-printed apparel copy as an intermediary object between the user and the actual apparel item. This intermediary physical replica serves as a mediator that conveys tactile and fit information from the distant online retailer to the local user, enabling assessment without physical presence of the original item.
2Loss of time
If apparel items are purchased online without trying them on, then shopping time is reduced, but return rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary assessment of apparel fit and feel by providing 3D-printed copies before the final purchase decision. Users can interact with these copies to evaluate the apparel characteristics in advance, making informed decisions that reduce the likelihood of returns while maintaining efficient online shopping timelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides tactile feedback through haptic devices that simulate the feel of the apparel material and construction. This feedback mechanism allows users to assess quality and comfort characteristics directly, increasing purchase confidence and accuracy without requiring extended shopping time or multiple store visits.
3Loss of information
If physical apparel stores are used for trying on items, then fit assessment is improved, but accessibility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local 3D-printed copies of apparel items that can be obtained and examined at the user's convenience without traveling to physical stores. These copies replicate the fit and tactile characteristics, bringing the fit assessment capability to the user's location and eliminating the need for in-person store visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to independently assess apparel fit and feel at home using 3D-printed copies and haptic feedback devices, without requiring staff assistance or store infrastructure. This self-service approach maintains the fit assessment capability while providing the convenience and accessibility of home-based shopping.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to accurately assess apparel fit and feel, reducing returns and enhancing the online shopping experience by providing a realistic simulation of apparel items, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.
Implementation Method 1
cause the three-dimensional printer to print the artifact corresponding to the apparel item
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate generally to simulating apparel items. A matching computer system may receive a request for an apparel item. The matching computer system may identify a 3D pattern corresponding to the apparel item. The matching computer system may provide this 3D pattern to a user agent computer system. The user agent computer system may cause a 3D printer to print a 3D artifact or modify an existing 3D artifact to simulate the requested apparel item. The modification of 3D artifact may be based on the data collected by the sensor(s) attached to the user which indicate the fitting and/or user feelings of the 3D apparel. The user agent computer system may print or modify the 3D artifact to include components that simulate characteristics of the requested apparel item. The 3D artifact may provide feedback to the user agent computer system based on sensing measurements. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.