Feature extraction of the wear label of carpets by using a novel 3D scanner

In the textile industry, the quality of carpets is still determined through visual assessment by human experts. Human assessment is somewhat subjective, so there is a need for a more objective assessment which yields to automated systems. However, existing computer models are at this moment not yet capable of matching the human expertise. Most attempts at automated assessment have focused on image analysis of two dimensional images of worn carpet. These do not adequately capture the three dimensional structure of the carpet that is also evaluated by the experts and the image processing is very dependent on the lighting conditions. One previous attempt however used a laser scanner to obtain three dimensional images of the carpet and process them for carpet assessment. This paper describes the development of a new scanner to acquire wear label characteristics in three dimensions based on a structured light pattern. Now an appropriate technique based on the local binary patterns (LBP) and the Kullback-Leibler divergence has been developed. We show that the new laser scanning system is less dependent on the lighting conditions and color of the carpet and obtains data points on a structured grid instead of sparse points. The new system is also more than five times cheaper, scans more than seven times faster and is specifically designed for scanning carpets instead of 3D objects. Previous attempts to classify the carpet wear were based on several extracted features. Only one of them - the height difference between worn and unworn part - showed a good correlation of 0.70 with the carpet wear label. However, experiments demonstrate that our approach - using the LBP technique - gives rise to promising results, with correlation factors from 0.89 to 0.99 between the Kullback-Leibler divergence and quality labels. This new laser scanner system is a significant step forward in the automated assessment of carpet wear using 3D images

An experimental study to test a 3D laser Scanner for body measurement and 3D virtual garment design in Fashion education

Artists, scientists, anthropometrists and tailors have accurately measured the human body with traditional tools, such as tape measures, callipers and accumulated visceral experience for centuries. Due to the progressive acceleration in the quality of 3D graphics technology and computer processing power, many product industries that traditionally use 3D software as a 3D design and prototyping tool, are also successfully measuring, customizing and re-engineering the products they design and manufacture through the integrated use of 3D Laser scanning technology. In the changing world of Fashion, 3D graphics technology has at last emerged from the shadows of academic research projects and hit the high streets. 3D body measurement surveys, using mobile 3D laser scanners, have mapped the true shape and body sizes of the UK and USA populations. Virtual fit and 3D visualisation technology has expanded out from the Internet, into the physical world, and is now available for shoppers to visualise made to measure garments. The acceptance of three-dimensional body-scanning and 3D digital design tools into our everyday experiences can be seen as a significant move toward encouraging and developing new, innovative learning and teaching methods in Art & Design education. This paper describes an experimental study into the application of 3D laser scanner technology for use in learning and teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate fashion and textiles design; clothing manufacture, fashion marketing, merchandising and promotion. The study focuses on testing the 3D scanning equipment with a student sample group. The use of the sample group attempts to simulate a range of body shapes, categorised by the traditional standard size chart specification method, currently used to design new fashion collections for high street clothing retail and UK fashion education. The methods applied for evaluation and testing of the 3D laser scanner for body measurement are described, and the results of the initial user experiences are discussed. The study seeks to establish the overall efficiency of 3D scanning technology and investigates the potential value for integration of the 3D Laser scanner with 3D clothing design and construction software. Conclusions provide recommendations on the potential effectiveness of connecting the results of the 3D body measurement study to the fashion curriculu

Reverse engineering in construction

Recently a great deal of research into construction IT has been completed, and this is ongoing to improve efficiency and quality in the construction sector. The new innovation of 3D laser scanning is aimed at being used to improve the efficiency and quality of construction projects, such as maintenance of buildings or group of buildings that are going to be renovated for new services. The 3D laser scanner will be integrated with other VR tools such as GIS solutions and workbench for visualisation, analysis and interaction with a building VR model. An integration strategy is proposed for an Ordnance Survey map of the area and 3D model created by means of the laser scanner. The integrated model will then be transferred to the VR workbench in order to visualise, interact and analyse the interested buildings on purpose