Abstract: A method for processing an image, consisting of a foreground and a background, to produce a highly compressed and accurate representation of the image, including the steps of scanning the image to create a digital image of the image, comparing the digital image against a codebook of stored digital images; matching the digital image with one of the stored digital images of the codebook; producing an index code identifying the background of the stored digital image as having matched the digital image; subtracting the stored digital image from the digital image to produce a second digital image representing the foreground of the stored digital image; and storing the second digital image with the index code. Techniques are also provided to enable merge/purge of the database(s) thereby created.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring apparel, having an elongated member with a surface, a first reference point on the surface and a second marking on said surface such that the distance between said first reference point and the second marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a particular age and a third marking on the surface such that the distance between the first reference point and the third marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a second particular age.