ShapeMe have explored the possibility to use time-of-flight sensors to obtain automatically HD quality 3D models, in a controlled static environment using multiple sensors. The main goal for this “phase I” has been to assess the feasibility of the technology applied to the apparel industry, looking into both the current state of art and the need for further development to reach commercial viability and finally to deliver a complete business plan.
Time of flight sensors are inexpensive in comparison to 3D scanners which make them ideal for commercial applications. On the other hand, these sensors face several downsides that condition the usability of the technology and affects both the setup and the working environment.
Throw this feasibility study we have found the optimal working setup, environment and processes to adapt the technology in order to obtain 3D models in HD quality. The use of apparel models in a virtual reality environment will simulate the fitting in a realistic manner and thus shoppers will be able to see the fit on their mobile devices without going throw the actual fitting room.
The R&D team faced several challenges regarding the sensors technology and its need for accurate calibration. The amount of work that needs to be done on each sensor to achieve a proper calibration is considerably large. RGB cameras and IR sensors needs to be calibrated individually and then go throw a stereo calibration to properly match them. This calibration gets even more challenging when multiple sensors are used such is our case with a setup of up to twenty sensors. The most challenging of all is what we have called “Z calibration” since each sensor will provide a different value in every single pixel for every single range not following a linear progression which makes it extremely challenging to achieve what we set as the adequate accuracy <2mm.
Besides the technical and technological aspects of the project we have conducted a market analysis -to identify the commercial potential of the idea; understand client needs; define the competitive environment-an internal analysis to better understand our capabilities; need to partner; need to reinforce the team- fine tune the business model, sales forecast, balance sheet, cash-flow, asset the financial viability of the project and define an implementation plan setting up road map and finally a marketing plan.
