Virtual dressing room

Last updated
An Intel labs researcher demonstrating an augmented reality dressing room Intel Labs researcher Nola Donato demonstrates augmented reality dressing room.jpg
An Intel labs researcher demonstrating an augmented reality dressing room

A virtual dressing room (also often referred to as virtual fitting room and virtual changing room although they do, on examination, perform different functions) is the online equivalent of an in-store changing room.

Contents

Having begun to emerge from 2005, fit technologies started to be widely reported from 2010, [1] but are now available from an increasing variety of providers [2] and are in use by a growing number of prominent retailers [3] [4] [5] [6] in their webstores.

A fit technology may be categorised according to the problem that it resolves (size, fit or styling) or according to the technological approach. There are many different types of technological approach.

Size recommendation services


Some recommendation systems use existing garments to recommend a size, while others use measurements taken by the customer. Recommendation systems have been developed for products beyond garments, such as ring sizers. Examples of these recommendation systems include Find My Ring Size. [7] Others still take a combination of both measurements and existing garments (aka biometric sizing) and yet others add in style preference-related questions.

Those that take existing measurements either do this from their own brand goods, or use databases of design measurements of supplier garments.

Body scanners

Body scanner technologies come in two distinct flavours: scanners that use technologies such as webcams, phone cameras, or Microsoft’s Kinect device; and scanners that use more sophisticated technologies requiring the shopper to travel to the scanner.

Web and phone camera technologies require users to stand a fixed distance away from the camera and to hold a standard-sized object (such as a CD) that the camera can use as a reference for size.

The more sophisticated scanners that use laser or millimetre wave detector technology, or multiple arrays of Kinect sensors, are too bulky and expensive to be used in most stores and are located instead in shopping malls or in large department stores. Customers are required to visit the location to be scanned and this information may then be used on online sites.

Body scanner fit technologies have existed since at least 2005, when the Intellifit system, used by Levi’s [8] was introduced. Unique Solutions purchased Intellifit in 2009, [9] and in October 2011 re-branded as Me-ality. [10] They are also used in creating custom made apparel such as the body scan jeans by Weekday. [11]

3D solutions

3D fitting rooms use computer-generated 3D images to create an experience similar to that seen in virtual world computer games. These solutions generate a virtual mannequin (avatar) using customer body measurements and shape information.

An avatar of the shopper is created, which requires the shopper to measure themselves and provide these data. Sometimes the avatar may be personalised: racially, or by skin tone, or by application of pre-determined hair-styles, or even by uploading an image of a customer’s own face. The avatar may then be used to show how the shopper would look wearing the clothing, accessories and any other items on sale.

More sophisticated versions allow side-by-side comparison of different versions of a garment, and enable different items to be tried on at the same time.

3D customer’s model

These solutions allow the shopper to create a 3D version of him/herself using either information taken scanning could be used to measure the person and see whether they like it or not

Fitting room with real 3D simulation

Real 3D Simulation fitting room combines the features of 3D solutions and photo-accurate fitting rooms. Using both photo and simple body measurements, the solution generates a 3D mannequin, which accurately visualizes customer in chosen apparel items. Normally, the system suggests an appropriate size for entered measurements, but customer can also choose other sizes to estimate their fit.

Dress-up mannequins/mix-and-match

In this variant, clothes and accessories are photographed on real-life mannequins. The mannequins are then edited out digitally from the images and replaced with a virtual mannequin designed to reflect the brand in question. A shopper may then drag and drop (and mix-and-match) clothes on the virtual mannequin. Some such solutions are being used to replace the real-life models in the garment photography, reducing the cost associated with human models and standardising the photography processes.

Photo-accurate virtual fitting room

This technology is a convergence of two techniques: using real models and dress-up mannequins. Instead of photographing garments on people similar to customer’s shape and size, images are made using shape-shifting, robotic mannequins. The computer-controlled mannequins quickly morph through a series of body shapes and sizes while garments – in each different size – are photographed and the image stored in a database together with the measurements that generate the image. Since the mannequins are computer-controlled, the whole process is relatively fast.

In the final version, the mannequin is edited out from the photography and replaced with a virtual avatar, which can be changed to reflect the brand involved.

Once a customer inputs their measurements into the systems, the correct set of images – those images in which the mannequin has the same measurements as the shopper – is retrieved from the database and shown to the shopper.

Augmented reality

Most augmented reality virtual dressing room solutions work by superimposing the 3D model or picture of a garment or accessory within the live video feed of the customer. The superimposed 3D model or picture of the garment or accessory will then track to movements of the customer so it appears as if the customer is wearing the virtual item in the video view. Augmented reality virtual dressing Rooms usually require a desktop webcam, a smartphone camera or 3D camera such as Kinect to function. Examples include Zugara's Webcam Social Shopper.

Another example of augmented reality utilized for virtual dressing rooms includes use of a 3D camera to manipulate areas of a garment or accessory within a display. [12]

Real models

Two variants of this exist, with the first of them now common in many online stores. The product information lists the attributes of the model that is pictured wearing the garments, and details the size of the garment in question.

Some businesses have gone further, and provide garment images on multiple models in a variety of sizes. Shoppers may watch a video of each model and interactively manipulate the model on the screen, either to walk or turn around, thereby getting a realistic view of what the garment will look like on a real person.

Other novelty attempts at creating a virtual dressing room solution included an interactive mirror that personalises the real world shopping experience using virtual technology. Paxar, a subdivision of Avery Dennison, introduced the RFID mirror in 2007. [13] A shopper wearing clothing with an RFID tag standing in front of the RFID mirror was automatically greeted by the mirror with various pieces of information about the garment, including material and color selections available. The mirror also offered accessory options and suggested different pieces that could be worn together for fashion coordination.

Image interactivity technology is applied in virtual fitting room, which allowing people have good feedback and experience through visual cues. [14]

Another simple way of getting virtual fitting right is by displaying personalized fit score below each apparel while you shop online. Size n Fit, a Singapore-based company, has launched this product which displays personalized fit score by asking simple question as to what fits you well and comparing it with the one you are trying to buy.

Goodstyle uses neural networks to quickly process and add clothes to the catalog. Another neural network is in the process of development, it will make the application more personalized. [15]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dressmaker</span> Person who makes custom clothing for women

A dressmaker, also known as a seamstress, is a person who makes clothing for women, such as dresses, blouses, and evening gowns. Dressmakers were historically known as mantua-makers, and are also known as a modiste or fabrician.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D scanning</span> Scanning of an object or environment to collect data on its shape

3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect three dimensional data of its shape and possibly its appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracking system</span>

A tracking system, also known as a locating system, is used for the observing of persons or objects on the move and supplying a timely ordered sequence of location data for further processing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HerRoom</span> American clothing retailer

HerRoom is an online lingerie and men's underwear retailer based in Dallas, Texas. It was founded and is owned by Tomima Edmark, inventor of the TopsyTail. Edmark runs both HerRoom and brother site HisRoom, through her company, the Andra Group LLP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fashion design</span> Art of applying design and aesthetics to clothing and accessories

Fashion design is the art of applying design, aesthetics, clothing construction and natural beauty to clothing and its accessories. It is influenced by culture and different trends and has varied over time and place. "A fashion designer creates clothing, including dresses, suits, pants, and skirts, and accessories like shoes and handbags, for consumers. He or she can specialize in clothing, accessory, or jewelry design, or may work in more than one of these areas."

Made-to-measure (MTM) typically refers to custom clothing that is cut and sewn using a standard-sized base pattern. Suits and sport coats are the most common garments made-to-measure. The fit of a made-to-measure garment is expected to be superior to that of a ready-to-wear garment because made-to-measure garments are constructed to fit each customer individually based on a few body measurements to customize the pre-existing pattern. Made-to-measure garments always involve some form of standardization in the pattern and manufacturing, whereas bespoke tailoring is entirely made from scratch based on a customer's specifications with far more attention to minute fit details and using multiple fittings during the construction process. All else being equal, a made-to-measure garment will be more expensive than a ready-to-wear garment but cheaper than a bespoke one. "Custom made" most often refers to MTM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dress form</span> Model of the torso used for fitting clothing

A dress form is a three-dimensional model of the human torso used for fitting clothing that is being designed or sewed. When making a piece of clothing, it can be put on the dress form so that one can see the fit and drape of the garment as it would appear on a body and make adjustments or alterations. Dress forms come in all sizes and shapes for almost every article of clothing that can be made. Dress forms in the standard clothing sizes are used to make patterns, while adjustable dress forms allow garments to be tailored to fit a specific individual.

A fit model is a person who is used by a fashion designer or clothing manufacturer to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of a design on a 'real' human being, effectively acting as a live mannequin. A person is selected to work as a fitting model primarily on criteria matching the desired measurement specifications of the designer or manufacturer. These specifications generally consist of height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length, shoulder width, and a myriad other measurements as indicated by the garment type. This is the case whether the garments are for women or men of any size; the grading of construction patterns is often tested on a variety of fitting models to be sure that increases in size are translated accurately and evenly across the range.

Advanced Fashion Design and Technology is a fashion-related manufacturing process that integrates new technologies.

ModCloth is a Los Angeles based online retailer of indie and vintage-inspired women’s clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clothing technology</span> Technology involving the manufacturing and innovation of clothing materials

Clothing technology describes advances in production methods, material developments, and the incorporation of smart technologies into textiles and clothes. The clothing industry has expanded throughout time, reflecting advances not just in apparel manufacturing and distribution, but also in textile functionality and environmental effect. The timeline of clothing and textiles technology includes major changes in the manufacture and distribution of clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PrimeSense</span> Former Israeli company

PrimeSense was an Israeli 3D sensing company based in Tel Aviv. PrimeSense had offices in Israel, North America, Japan, Singapore, Korea, China and Taiwan. PrimeSense was bought by Apple Inc. for $360 million on November 24, 2013.

VenueGen was a browser-based web conferencing service created and marketed by The Venue Network. It was a 3D virtual meeting software that enables users to interact with each other using avatars. Users could host and attend meetings, conferences, and training with other colleagues and upload rich media into virtual meeting rooms for real-time collaboration.

Fast fit refers to a method of handling the shipping and sampling processes typical of multinational organizations who primarily manufacture offshore, specifically in the fashion and textile industry. Fast Fit centers on the sharing of 360-degree, annotatable images intended to reduce the costs and lead times associated with shipping physical samples. The term is particularly prevalent among companies that fit the Fast Fashion model, as Fast Fit is considered to be a vital component in the reduction of time between design inspiration and final production of a garment or product.

The Webcam Social Shopper, often referred to as virtual dressing room software, debuted online in June 2009 and was created by Los Angeles–based software company, Zugara. Cited initially as an "augmented reality dressing room", The Webcam Social Shopper allows online shoppers to use a webcam to visualize virtual garments on themselves while shopping online. The software also uses a motion capture system that allows users to use hand motions to navigate the software while standing back from their computer. Social media integration with Facebook and Twitter also allows users of the software to send pictures of themselves with the virtual garments for immediate feedback.

Alton Lane is an American menswear company founded in 2009 by Colin Hunter and Peyton Jenkins, graduates of the University of Virginia. Alton Lane offers modern bespoke suits, blazers, trousers, tuxedos, and shirts. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and its suits are produced in Germany, Italy, and Thailand. Alton lane uses a combination of 3D body scanners and hand measurements to produce fully custom clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital fashion</span> Visual representation of clothing with digital software

Digital Fashion is a field of fashion design that relies on 3D software or artificial intelligence to produce hyper-realistic, data-intensive digital 3D garment simulations that are digital-only products or digital models for physical products. Digital garments can be worn and presented in virtual environments, social media, online gaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) platforms. The field contributes to the development of a more sustainable future for the fashion industry It has often been praised as an answer to ethical and creative concerns of traditional fashion by promoting innovation, reducing waste, and encouraging conscious consumption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual mirror</span>

A virtual mirror or smart mirror is a device that displays a user's own image on a screen as if that screen were a mirror. Some versions feature augmented reality additions to the video display, or use an entirely virtual graphical avatar of the user.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D body scanning</span> Measurment of the body as a point cloud

3D body scanning is an application of various technologies such as structured-light 3D scanner, 3D depth sensing, stereoscopic vision and others for ergonomic and anthropometric investigation of the human form as a point-cloud. The technology and practice within research has found 3D body scanning measurement extraction methodologies to be comparable to traditional anthropometric measurement techniques.

Commercial augmented reality (CAR) describes augmented reality (AR) applications that support various B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) commercial activities, particularly for the retail industry. The use of CAR started in 2010 with virtual dressing rooms for E-commerce.

References

  1. Cordero, Robert (22 September 2010). "Can Technology Help Fashion Etailers Tackle 'Try Before You Buy?'". Business of Fashion.
  2. Pierrepont, Nathalie (19 December 2012). "Amongst Promises of a Perfect Fit, What Fits and What Doesn't?". Business of Fashion.
  3. Deatsch, Katie (15 November 2012). "Clothes Horse finds a fit with e-retailers". Internet Retailer.
  4. Rigby, Chloe (25 January 2013). "Fashion retailers opt for virtual fitting rooms". Internet Retailing.
  5. Rigby, Chloe (12 April 2013). "Henri Lloyd, John Smedley and Avenue 32 adopt virtual fitting rooms". Internet Retailing.
  6. O’Hear, Steve (29 April 2013). "Virtusize brings its virtual fitting solution to the UK, signs deal with fashion retailer ASOS". Techcrunch.
  7. Bishop, Kathryn (25 August 2011). "Innovative Online Ring Sizer Arrives for E-tailers". Professional Jeweller. Retrieved 1 January 2014.
  8. White, Tanika (10 September 2005). "Jeans shoppers can have a fit thanks to Levi's". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore.
  9. "Unique Solutions buys 3D body scanning rival Intellifit". Just-Style. 24 March 2009.
  10. "Unique Solutions Begins Rollout Of Me-Ality Apparel Size-Matching Booths". Apparel Textiles. 21 October 2011.
  11. Velasquez, Angela (2020-11-03). "Weekday Launches Custom-Fit 'Body Scan Jeans' in Sweden". Sourcing Journal. Retrieved 2021-05-03.
  12. "When Will AR Replace The Fitting Room?", 02 April 2014, retrieved 24 April 2014
  13. Ray, Bill (8 May 2007). "RFID mirror automatically insults your fashion sense". The Register.
  14. Yang, Shuai; Xiong, Guiyang (2019-07-03). "Try It On! Contingency Effects of Virtual Fitting Rooms". Journal of Management Information Systems. 36 (3): 789–822. doi:10.1080/07421222.2019.1628894. ISSN   0742-1222. S2CID   201106815.
  15. "Virtual Fitting Room". Goodstyle. 8 May 2021.