4D Breast Boundary Detection for Accurate Bra Cup Prediction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining breast size and boundary are inaccurate and uncomfortable, leading to ill-fitting bras that can cause health issues, and existing technologies fail to provide precise 3D breast boundary information necessary for correct volume estimation and bra cup size prediction.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact method using 3D image processing to analyze successive images of an individual's breasts while moving, aligning and preprocessing them to determine vertical and horizontal displacements, and using thresholds to define breast boundaries and predict cup sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical manipulation methods are used to find breast boundaries, then boundary information can be obtained, but the experience becomes unpleasant for individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreast boundary detection accuracyVSAvoiduser discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual physical manipulation with an automated image processing system. The processor automatically identifies breast boundaries by analyzing 3D scan data through algorithms that detect boundary points where surface curvature changes, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining measurement accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-measurement capability where individuals can obtain accurate breast boundary detection and cup size prediction without requiring manual intervention from others. The automated processing allows the subject to complete the measurement independently through simple positioning in the scanner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If 3D scanning is used to capture breast information, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but precise breast boundary information is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-contact measurementVSAvoidbreast boundary definition
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the breast surface into distinct regions by identifying boundary points where curvature characteristics change. The algorithm divides the continuous surface data into breast tissue regions and non-breast regions based on curvature thresholds, creating precise boundary definitions from the 3D scan data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D surface scanning to 3D volumetric analysis by processing depth information and curvature data in three dimensions. This enables accurate boundary detection by analyzing spatial relationships and surface geometry in multiple dimensions rather than relying on 2D projections.

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

3Productivity

If breast volume is calculated without accurate boundary information, then measurement process is simple, but volume determination is incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidbreast volume accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary boundary identification and segmentation before volume calculation. The system automatically detects and marks boundary points, separates breast tissue from surrounding areas, and creates accurate 3D masks of breast volume prior to computing final measurements, ensuring both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual boundary tracing and volume measurement with automated 3D image processing algorithms. The system uses computational methods to calculate breast volume from segmented 3D data, eliminating time-consuming manual processes while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.

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

4Productivity

If bra fit is not properly determined, then product selection is quick, but health concerns arise from ill-fitted bras

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebra selection speedVSAvoidhealth issues from ill-fitted bras
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides feedback by delivering precise cup size predictions and breast measurements to guide bra selection. The system gives specific quantitative results including cup size recommendations and boundary measurements that directly inform appropriate bra fitting, preventing health issues from improper fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective trial-and-error bra fitting with objective 3D measurement and automated cup size prediction. The system uses algorithmic analysis of breast geometry to determine appropriate sizes, eliminating guesswork and ensuring health-appropriate fittings while maintaining quick product selection.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4231868B1Methods, devices and systems to determine and visualize breast boundary, predict bra cup size and/or evaluate performance of a garment using 4d body scans of an individual
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 CORNELL UNIVERSITY
  • EP4231868B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4231868B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231868B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems and methods for determining the boundary of breasts based on a determined displacement parameter determined at least in part from series of three-dimensional images captured in time while an individual is in motion are provided. The displacement parameter may be determined with respect to a base image. The base image may be one of the 3D images captured while the individual is moving, or a 3D image acquired while the individual is stationary. The displacement may be a vertical displacement. Once the boundary of the breasts is determined, the breasts may be separated from other image data, and the cup size of the individual may be predicted. Apparatuses, systems and methods for evaluating the performance of a garment based on a determined displacement parameter determined at least in part from a series of three-dimensional images captured in time while an individual is in motion are also provided.