Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5850/JKSCT.2010.34.12.1968

Comparison of Virtual Avatars by Using Automatic and Manual Method  

Lim, Ho-Sun (Research Institute of Clothing & Textile Sciences, Yonsei University)
Istook, Cynthia L. (Dept. of Textile Technology & Management, North Carolina State University)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles / v.34, no.12, 2010 , pp. 1968-1979 More about this Journal
Abstract
New technology that includes 3D body scanning, digital virtual human, and digital virtual garments has had a significant impact on the current apparel industry. Virtual simulation technology enables the visualization of a 3D virtual garment on a virtual avatar so that consumers can try on garments with their virtual avatars before purchasing. However, the manual virtual avatar provided for online apparel shopping currently has revealed limitations on the different body sizes and shapes of customers. This study analyzes the process of designing the automatic virtual avatar and the manual virtual avatar using OptiTex software; in addition, the study compares the practicality of the automatic virtual avatar with that of the manual virtual avatar. Data was examined by evaluating how much each virtual avatar is similar to the real body and how well it matched the needs of the current apparel industry. In the study, Avatar 1 was automatically created from three-dimensional body scan data and Avatar 2 was manually created from body measurements. The virtual avatar images laid over a real body image and the results were evaluated by comparing the simulated sizes of virtual avatars with those of a real body. Consequently, Avatar 1 was evaluated as more similar to the real body than Avatar 2 in all five body shapes. This study illustrates that an automatic virtual avatar might solve the fit problem that is the most common reason for a high return rate for online shopping. The results show that future virtual simulation technology needs to be improved for the practicality of the virtual avatars.
Keywords
3D body scanning; Virtual avatar; Digital human; Virtual simulation; Online shopping;
Citations & Related Records
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 Jung, K., Kwon, O., & You, H. (2009). Development of a digital human model generation method for ergonomic design in virtual environment. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 39, 744-748.   DOI   ScienceOn
2 Yang, J., Verma, U., Marler, T., Beck, S., Rahmatalla, S., & Harrison, C. (2009). Workspace zone differentiation tool for visualization of seated postural comfort. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 39, 267-276.   DOI   ScienceOn
3 Yu, W., & Xu, B. (2008). Surface reconstruction from two-view body scanner data. Textile Research Journal, 78(5), 457-466.   DOI   ScienceOn
4 Yunchu, Y., & Weiyuan, Z. (2007). Prototype garment pattern flattening based on individual 3D virtual dummy. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 19(5), 334-348.   DOI   ScienceOn
5 Loker, S., Ashdown, S., & Carnrite, E. (2008). Dress in the third dimension: Online interactivity and its new horizons. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 26(2), 164-176.   DOI   ScienceOn
6 Mavrikios, D., Karabatsou, V., Alexopoulos, K., Pappas, M., Gogos, P., & Chryssolouris, G. (2006). An approach to human motion analysis and modeling. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 36, 979-989.   DOI   ScienceOn
7 Siefert, A., Pankoke, S., & Wolfel, H.-P. (2008). Virtual optimisation of car passenger seats: Simulation of static and dynamic effects on drivers' seating comfort. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 38, 410-424.   DOI   ScienceOn
8 Simmons, K. P., Istook, C., & Devarajan, P. (2004). Female figure identification technique (FFIT) for apparel, Part II: Development of shape sorting software. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 4(1), 1-15.
9 Volino, P., Cordier, F., & Magnenat-Thalmann, N. (2005). From early virtual garment simulation to interactive fashion design. Computer-Aided Design, 37, 593-608.   DOI   ScienceOn
10 Divivier, A., Trieb, R., Ebert, A., Hagen, H., Gross, C., Fuhrmann, A., Luckas, V., Encarnacao, J. L., Kirchdorfer, E., Rupp, M., Vieth, S., Kimmerle, S., Keckeisen, M., Wacker, M., Strasser, W., Sattler, M., Sarlette, R., & Klein, R. (2004). Virtual try-on: Topics in realistic, individualized dressing in virtual reality. Human-Solutions. Retrieved July 12, 2008, from http://www.human-solutions.com/virtualtryon/download/VTOBeitragVRAR2004.pdf
11 Hardaker, C. H. M., & Fozzard, G. J. W. (1998). Towards the virtual garment: Three-dimensional computer environments for garment design. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 10(2), 114-127.   DOI   ScienceOn
12 Horrigan, J. B. (2008, February). Online shopping: Internet users like the convenience but worry about the security of their financial information. Pew Internet & American Life Project. Retrieved June 13, 2008, from http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2008/Online-Shopping.aspx
13 Istook, C. L. (2008). Three-dimensional body scanning to improve fit. In C. Fairhurst (Ed.), Advances in apparel production (pp.94-116). Cambridge, England: Woodhead publishing.
14 Kartsounis, G. A., Magnenat-Thalmann, N., & Rodrian, H. C. (2003). E-tailor: Integration of 3D scanners, CAD and virtual-try-on technologies for online retailing of made-to-measure garments. In J. Gasos & K. D. Thoben (Eds.), E-business applications: Technologies for tomorrow's solutions (pp. 137-152). Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.
15 Kenkare, N. S. (2005). Three dimensional modeling of garment drape. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.
16 Cordier, F., Lee, W., Seo, H., & Magnenat-Thalmann, N. (2001, May). Virtual-try-on on the web. Paper Presented at the meeting og the Virtual Reality International Conference (VRIC), Laval, Mayenne.
17 Kim, M. (2007). Consumer perceptions of apparel products in internet shopping. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.