Graphical Body Estimation for Physical Measurements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Collecting physical measurements is time-consuming and often requires access to measuring devices, which can be a challenge in situations where such tools are not available, such as in the developing world or online applications.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing graphical elements representing human bodies to estimate physical measurements by presenting data items associated with these elements to users, allowing them to select the most similar representation, and using predictive models to calculate measurements based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional measuring devices and tools are used to collect physical measurements, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires access to specialized equipment that may not be available in all situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses graphical representations (avatars) that copy and represent human body characteristics. Users select avatars that match their physical appearance, and the system estimates actual measurements based on these graphical selections. This copying approach eliminates the need for physical measuring devices while maintaining reasonable measurement accuracy through statistical modeling and population data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measuring devices (tape measures, scales, calipers) with a computational system that uses graphical user interfaces and predictive algorithms. The mechanical act of measuring with physical tools is substituted by a digital process where users interact with graphical elements on a screen, and the system automatically calculates measurements using software-based estimation models.

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

2Measurement precision

If traditional measuring devices are used, then accurate physical measurements can be obtained, but the system becomes complex and requires specialized equipment that is not accessible in all environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses graphical representations (avatars) that copy and represent human body characteristics. Users select avatars that match their physical appearance, and the system estimates actual measurements based on these graphical selections. This copying approach eliminates the need for physical measuring devices while maintaining reasonable measurement accuracy through statistical modeling and population data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that can be deployed across multiple platforms (mobile devices, computers, web browsers) without requiring specialized equipment. The same graphical interface and estimation algorithms work across different environments, making the system universally accessible whether in developed or developing countries, urban or rural settings.

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

3Measurement precision

If measuring devices are required for accurate measurements, then measurement quality is maintained, but the system loses adaptability to situations where devices are not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement system that can be deployed across multiple platforms (mobile devices, computers, web browsers) without requiring specialized equipment. The same graphical interface and estimation algorithms work across different environments, making the system universally accessible whether in developed or developing countries, urban or rural settings.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform their own measurements by selecting graphical representations that match their appearance. Users independently complete the measurement process without requiring trained personnel or specialized equipment, making the system self-service and highly adaptable to various environments including remote areas and online applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12027273B2Interactive graphical system for estimating body measurements
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US12027273B2 patent drawing
  • US12027273B2 patent drawing
  • US12027273B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Utilizing graphical elements representing human bodies to estimate physical measurements of a user is described. In at least one example, a service provider can access a database storing a plurality of data items. The service provider can cause a set of data items of the plurality of data items to be presented to the user. Data items in the set of data items are associated with at least one graphical element representing a human body with individual magnitudes corresponding to individual dimensions of a plurality of dimensions. The service provider can receive data indicating a selection of a data item associated with a first magnitude associated with a first dimension and a second magnitude associated with a second dimension. The service provider can estimate physical measurements associated with the user based partly on a first magnitude and/or the second magnitude.