Abstract: A method and system for creating and using a virtual dressing room, by superimposing a non-linearly stretchable object image onto a base image in a display screen of a communication device, the images being planar. The method comprises scanning an encoded indicium associated with the object image, accessing and uploading a URL associated with the object image, the object image including a plurality of object image critical points, accessing the base image at the communication device, the base image including a plurality of base image critical points respectively corresponding to the object image critical points, re-mapping the object image via global transformation of coordinates associated with the object image critical points, such that the re-mapped object image critical points coincide with the respective base image critical points, and superimposing the re-mapped object image onto the base image for display at the display screen.

Abstract: A computer system generates video based cohorts. Digital video data is processed to identify a set of color and texture based attributes associated with clothing worn by a set of objects. The digital video data comprises metadata describing the set of objects. The set of color and texture based attributes are analyzed using cohort criteria to form a result. The cohort criteria specify attributes that are associated with members of a given cohort. A set of cohorts is generated based on the result. Each cohort in the set of cohorts comprises a subset of objects from the set of objects that share at least one color and texture based attribute in common.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a sewing machine. The monitoring system includes a camera assembly mounted to a base of the sewing machine with a camera that collects images from a bottom side of the fabric. The camera assembly delivers images of the back side of the fabric to a monitor assembly that includes a display device. The display device displays the images collected by the camera. The monitor can be mounted to an upper or arm portion of the sewing machine for convenient viewing by the operator during use of the sewing machine.

Abstract: Examples disclose a method executed on a computing device to locate a clothing region within an image to segment into a region of related clothing. Further, the examples provide detecting a feature of the related clothing. Additionally, the examples also disclose determining a style of the related clothing in the region based on the detection of the feature.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for measuring full field deformation characteristics of a deformable body. The method includes determining optical setup design parameters for measuring displacement and strain fields, and generating and applying a dot pattern on a planar side of a deformable body. A sequence of images of the dot pattern is acquired before and after deformation of the body. Irregular objects are eliminated from the images based on dot light intensity threshold and the object area or another geometrical cutoff criterion. The characteristic points of the dots are determined, and the characteristic points are matched between two or more of the sequential images. The displacement vector of the characteristic points is found, and mesh free or other techniques are used to estimate the full field displacement based on the displacement vector of the characteristic points. Strain tensor or other displacement-derived quantities can also be estimated using mesh-free or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: A method and system of determining fiber diameter distribution of a fibrous media is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one digital image representative of the fibrous media, pre-processing the images, binarizing the images, generating virtual lines on the image, solving for fiber fringe points on each of generated line, solving for fiber center points as a mean of the fringe points, generating and growing measurement circles about the fiber center points, repositioning circles and center points to avoid fiber intersections, resizing the repositioned measurement circles to intersect the opposing fringes, and calculating fiber diameters and fiber spacing.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a fibrous material having a plurality of fibers is provided. The method includes accessing an image of the fibrous material with the plurality of fibers and identifying each of the plurality of fibers based upon a magnitude and a direction of an intensity gradient of the image. The method also includes tracking each of the identified fibers based upon at least one of a diameter of the fiber, a fiber alignment angle and a vector orientation angle of the fiber and estimating a plurality of structural parameters for each of the tracked fibers of the fibrous material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform steps comprising calculating a first angle characteristic and an intensity of the first angle characteristic with respect to each of pixels, arranging a first line segment in a position corresponding to a first pixel based on the first angle characteristic, calculating a second angle characteristic of a second pixel based on the first angle characteristic of at least one pixel adjacent to the second pixel, acquiring information indicating a third angle characteristic, calculating a fourth angle characteristic based on the second angle characteristic and on the third angle characteristic, arranging a second line segment in a position corresponding to the second pixel based on the calculated fourth angle characteristic, and creating data indicating at least stitches that respectively correspond to the first line segment and the second line segment.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a semantic clothing attribute in an image. A probability of a semantic clothing attribute in an image may be determined. The probability of the semantic clothing attribute may be determined based on a comparison of the image to an image feature associated with the semantic clothing attribute.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a laundry treating chamber, where the laundry in the laundry treating chamber may be imaged and a motion condition of the laundry determined based on the imaging of the laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the determined motion condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the presence of a drying rack based on image data of the laundry located in a treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance comprising a treating chamber by determining the presence of a bulky laundry item based on image data of the laundry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable drum defining a laundry treating chamber. The laundry in the laundry treating chamber may be imaged and a state of dryness of the laundry determined based on the imaging of the laundry. The operation of the laundry treating appliance may be based on the determined state of dryness.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing visualization of fit, flow, and texture of clothing to an online consumer. A merchant maintains detailed measurements and a number of 3-D models for a clothing item offered for sale. The 3-D models may represent a representative size of the clothing item as worn by similarly sized mannequins or body models of varying body shapes. Each of the 3-D models captures the fit, flow, and texture of the clothing item as worn by the corresponding mannequin. When a consumer selects the clothing item, a 3-D virtualization representing the clothing item worn by the consumer may be generated by scaling the appropriate 3-D model based on dimensional data regarding the consumer, and then combining the scaled 3-D model with a 3-D avatar for the consumer. The dimensional data and 3-D avatar for the consumer may be supplied from a user profile associated with the consumer.

Abstract: A method of selecting, storing and delivering desired audio/data/visual information includes the steps of determining viewing preferences of a viewer and receiving a first group of audio/data/visual signals, for example, broadcast and cable television signals or internet-based signals. Based on the first group of audio/data/visual signals, a second group of audio/data/visual signals, which is a subset of the first group of audio/data/visual signals, is identified. The second group of audio/data/visual signals is selected based on the association of EPG data for each signal with the viewing preferences of the viewer. Content data is then extracted from the second group of audio/data/visual signals and compared with the viewing preferences. The content data may include, for example, closed-captioned text, EPG data, audio information, visual information and transcript information.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments, provide for processing infrared images. In one embodiment, a system includes an infrared sensor adapted to capture infrared images and a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images by extracting a high pass part from the captured infrared images, extracting a mid-spatial frequency part from the captured infrared images, extracting a low pass part from the captured infrared images, separately scaling each of the parts, and merging the scaled parts to generate enhanced output images. The system may include a display component adapted to display the enhanced output images.

Abstract: A product modeling system and method are provided. On one embodiment, the product modeling system is used to model a piece of apparel, such as a shirt, with a design wherein the model with the design is used to display the piece of apparel with the design to a consumer.

Abstract: Body art, such as tattoos, are integrated or extended onto clothing. Clothing patterns may be integrated or extended onto body art, such as temporary tattoos. In one embodiment, a computer analyzes an image of a body with a tattoo and generates an image suitable for application to clothing. When applied to clothing, the image displays the portion of the tattoo that is covered by the clothing, or may extend the appearance of the tattoo from the skin to the adjacent clothing.

Abstract: Methods and computer program for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A method for processing coverings can include placing a covering on a work surface and projecting a captured image of the covering by a projector onto the covering. Virtual markings of boundary lines and defects on the covering on the capture image can be registered using the controller. Nesting of templates can be performed on the captured image of the covering with the virtual markings and the nested templates stored as virtual markings with the captured image of the covering. The covering can then be marked, die pressed, or cut along the virtual markings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of simulating modeling a garment, comprising the steps of providing a dictionary having a plurality of figure frameworks, the plurality of figure frameworks comprising varying body characteristics and measurements, with each of the figure frameworks comprising at least one image and body reference data. The system providing a garment database comprising images and pairing data for a plurality of garments. It receives a user image and a garment selection and selects a figure framework in response to user input and garment selection. It extracts the facial region and determines a skin tone identifier from the user image. It renders a three dimensional user model from the user image and the selected figure framework to form a user model, shading based on the skin tone identifier. It the overlays and scales the selected garment on the user model, whereby the user model simulates the user wearing the selected garment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: In the image evaluation apparatus, a clothing recognition unit 106 performs, for each person appearing in each of images included in an image group generated by an image group generation unit 102, recognition of clothing that the person is wearing. An image event evaluation unit 107, according to types of clothing recognized by the clothing recognition unit 106 and a frequency of appearance of each type of clothing in the images in the image group, collectively evaluates the images included in the image group.

Abstract: Method for remotely ordering clothing for a person (1), the person sends two profile images of himself/herself to the processing means (11), which determines there from two person profiles. The processing means determines the requested clothes size or clothes dimensions, by using a data set (12) with representations of virtual persons or pieces of clothing. The processing means use a matching, fitting or rendering algorithm for determining the largest similarity between the supplied person profiles and the representations of virtual people or clothes in said generic data set. Input into the processing means is done via a local terminal, via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface-reading apparatus that includes a subject-flexing mechanism and a surface-reading component. The subject-flexing mechanism causes a subject to flex in one of a convex form and a concave form. The surface-reading component reads a characteristic of a surface condition of the subject that has been flexed by the subject-flexing mechanism. The surface-reading component can includes an optical reading component that optically reads the characteristic of the surface condition of the subject. The optical reading component may be a reflected light-reading component that reads the characteristic of the surface condition of the subject with reflected light or may be a transmitted light-reading component that reads the characteristic of the surface condition of the subject with transmitted light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating variable-width border masks for objects in input images. Given an input image and an initial binary selection of an object in the image, a variable-width border mask method may be applied to automatically generate an accurate, variable-width border mask for the object. An initial border mask may be generated. An initial foreground probability map may be generated within the initial border mask using a Gaussian Mixture color modeling technique. A geodesic smoothing technique may be applied to the initial foreground probability map to reduce or remove noise. An optimization technique may be applied to optimize the foreground boundary, and a final variable-width border mask may be generated. The variable-width border mask may be used as input to image matting algorithms to generate an accurate alpha mask of the foreground object selected from the input image.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating social networking based on fashion-related information. During operation, the system receives fashion-related information from a user. Next, the system extracts the user's fashion preferences from the received information and compares the user's fashion preference with other users' fashion preferences. Finally, the system groups users based on similarity of their fashion preferences.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing comprising an end wall and side walls defining a first chamber open at one end a slide at the open end a diaphragm in the chamber spaced from the slide and generally parallel to it, defining, with the slide and side walls of the first chamber, a second chamber; and an opening in the first chamber for permitting fluid to enter and exit the first chamber.

Abstract: A visual camouflage system that provides at least one of thermal or radar suppression is described. The system includes a vinyl layer having a camouflage pattern on a front surface of the vinyl layer. The camouflage pattern includes a site-specific camouflage pattern. A laminate layer is secured over the front surface of the vinyl layer coating the camouflage pattern to provide protection to the camouflage pattern and strengthen the vinyl layer. One or more nanomaterials are disposed on at least one of the vinyl layer, camouflage pattern, or the laminate to provide at least one of thermal or radar suppression.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a hidden image product, an identification device which shows the hidden image information, an identification system, the produce method of the produce and the identification equipment, the identification equipment contains a single layer or multi-layer lens with the specified array micro-structure. The produce contains the array pixels with same-level array-distance corresponding with the identification equipment array micro-structure. The selected area of the array pixels and the identification equipment array micro-structure has the entirely or partly controlling phase excursion, shows the micro-structure or the hidden image in the pixel when the array of pixels of the product or the array of the identification equipment array micro-structure is superposition or spacedly squaring with distance. The invention overcomes the low anti-false precision and the inconvenience of the existing hidden image identification technique.

Abstract: A mirror system includes an image sensor coupled to a mirror, and gathers consumer shopping preferences for merchandise items. During operation, the system gathers one or more sequential images, from the image sensor, of a consumer wearing a first wearable merchandise item in front of the image sensor. Next, the system identifies in the one or more sequential images a first merchandise item being worn by the consumer. Then, the system determines a demographic group associated with the consumer, and detects behavior patterns for the consumer, wherein the behavior pattern indicates an interest level of the consumer for the identified merchandise item. The system then determines a mapping between the identified consumer demographic group and an interest level for the identified merchandise item, and produces a model which encodes the mapping.

Abstract: The wearing of required medical garments by caregivers and other persons is detected through the use of a digital imaging system and methods that employ digital imaging. The medical garments include colors, symbols or other features that allow them to be identified by the system. A moving object within an isolation room or other area requiring the wearing of medical garments is detected. Various stages of processing confirm that the moving object is indeed a person and that the person is wearing the required medical garments. In order to enhance the digital imaging procedure, the person may be instructed to move to a selected position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: A fabric product identification device which can identify a type of a fabric product and a fabric product handling system including the fabric product identification device is provided. A fabric product handling system grasps a fabric product placed on a first table before setting out and resetting the fabric product on a second table. The system includes a handling device, a fabric product identification device having the second table and a part of a controller, and a camera. A distinction part distinguishes a specific part of the fabric product based on a quantity of light rays passing through the fabric product from image data being imaged with the camera.

Abstract: A method for measuring a property of a fiber, such as flexibility, collapsibility and moment of inertia. A fiber is wetted and deformed in its wet state, and an optical section image of the deformed fiber is taken. A measurement is made on the image and the desired property is calculated using the measurement.

Abstract: A system for the characterization of webs that permits the identification of anomalous regions on the web to be performed at a first time and place, and permits the localization and marking of actual defects to be performed at a second time and place.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for displaying garments on a computer-rendered three-dimensional rotatable model in an interactive virtual reality software product, comprising: storing information related to a computer-rendered three-dimensional model; storing information related to a plurality of computer-rendered three-dimensional garments; accepting a selection of a three-dimensional garment from the user; accessing the information related to a plurality of computer-rendered three-dimensional garments in order to transform information related to the selection of a three-dimensional garment into a display of the selection of the three-dimensional garment on the computer-rendered three-dimensional model; accepting a rotation command on a rotational control, the rotational control being in a vertical axis to simulate a person turning left and/or right; accepting a camera command allowing the display of the selection of the three-dimensional garment to be shown from a variety of camera distances.

Abstract: This invention protects the processes and technologies used to produce kitting foam inserts. The manufactured inserts are in the form of foam silhouettes with a thin hard plastic backing. The process is unique in that it utilizes software and automations that were previously unknown in the kitting industry. The hard plastic backed foam inserts will retain the positions of items within the kit and allow, at a glance, identification of missing or displaced items and tools. The foam inserts also provide for rapid restocking of reusable assembly kits. Pocket marks can incorporate human and/or machine-readable symbols into the foam inserts. This patent is unique with respects to the referenced U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,053 B2 in that this invention describes in detail the manufacturing process for producing foam kitting inserts to be used for organizing tool and assembly kits.

Abstract: A product modeling system and method are provided. On one embodiment, the product modeling system is used to model a piece of apparel, such as a shirt, with a design wherein the model with the design is used to display the piece of apparel with the design to a consumer.

Abstract: A method for determining the recovery grade in artificial fiber carpets, such as artificial turf, including obtaining samples of the artificial fiber carpets to be examined in order to capture an image, by a camera and lightbulb under conditions of controlled exposure, of the area of the fibers which will subsequently be subjected to supporting a load. In a certain area of the fibers, in a vertical compressive manner, a load of known mass during a predetermined time is applied, for once the load is released, capturing elevational images, according to the same area of the fibers subjected to the load, at predetermined time intervals. The recovery index of the fibers subjected to analysis based on the area occupied by the fibers is determined before being subjected to the load and after the different predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A method of modelling fabric properties and behavior first involves generating (16) a yarn model from fiber parameters, which may be empirically determined. The yarn model is homogenised (18, 20) to produce a homogenous representation of the yarn (YMM), suitable for use in finite element analysis. The method may then, secondly, involve generating (24) a fabric weave model by finite element analysis of the yarn representation (YMM). The fabric model is then also homogenised (26, 28) to produce a homogeneous representation of the fabric (FMM), suitable for use in finite element analysis. Finite element analysis of the fabric representation (FMM) can then be used to assess the suitability of various fabric materials for technical applications.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the depositability of particulate contaminants present in a pulp or paper mill fluid stream and evaluating interactions of such particulate contaminants with other contaminants collects the particulate contaminants on a suitable substrate, such as a plastic film coated with an adhesive or coated with organic contaminate, placed in contact with the pulp or paper mill fluid stream for at least five minutes up to several hours. The amount of contaminants collected on the substrate is quantified and evaluated by taking one or more scanned images of the substrate with a resolution of at least 2,000 dots per inch (DPI) and analyzing the scanned images with image analysis technique.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing custom-made gloves. In the present invention, an order management server receives customer information and hand scan data from a measurement and order processing apparatus, generates pattern information to be used for glove production using a pattern generation apparatus, and requests a leather processing apparatus to produce a glove according to the pattern information. According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an online ordering and production process involving size measurement and manufacturing procedures in the production process for leather gloves. In addition, as body scan data is obtained by a low-cost 2D body scanner instead of a high-cost 3D body scanner, it is possible to produce precise custom-made leather gloves at reduced cost.

Abstract: Apparatus for the measurement of textile fabrics comprising at least one sensor having an associated sensor field. A feed arrangement presents an area of a textile fabric length at the sensor field. The feed arrangement also provides relative movement between the sensor and the textile fabric length to present a sequence of areas of fabric at the sensor field. The sensor is repeatedly operated to provide a colour output representing fabric colour and measured from respective areas of the fabric, as sequentially presented at the sensor field. The feed arrangement operates, each time the sensor provides a colour output, to provide a respective position output representing the position of the sensor relative to the fabric. The feed arrangement and sensor provide a sequence of colour outputs measured from known areas of the fabric, represented by the respective position outputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for 3D virtual try-on of apparel on an avatar. A method of fitting a garment on a person's body online may comprise receiving specifications of a garment, receiving body specifications of one or more fit models, receiving one or more grade rules, receiving one or more fabric specifications, and receiving specifications of a consumer's body. The value of one or more fabric constants may be determined according to the received one or more fabric specifications. One or more virtual garments in graded sizes may be created and stored in a database based on the received garment specifications and fabric constants. Moreover, one or more graded virtual fit models may be created and stored in a database based on the received specifications of the fit model. Each virtual garment may be draped on the related virtual fit model to create a fit-model drape. An avatar is received or created to represent a consumer's body shape.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for recognizing and classifying clothes. During operation, the system captures at least one image of a clothing item. The system further determines a region on the captured image which corresponds to a torso and/or limbs. The system also determines at least one color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration of the clothing item. Additionally, the system classifies the clothing item into at least one category based on the determined color composition, texture composition, collar configuration, and sleeve configuration. The system then produces a result which indicates the classification.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: Nanofiber electroprocessing apparatus comprising a conductive stylus having a 5 to 250 nm diameter tip; a collector spaced below the tip; a continuous supply of flowable polymer to the tip, and a power supply for creating a potential difference between the tip and the collector sufficient to produce a nanofiber. The conductive stylus may comprise an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and may further be mounted within an AFM scanning holder having a mechanism for moving the tip. A method of electroprocessing a nanofiber comprises providing the conductive stylus, such as an AFM tip, providing a collector below the tip, supplying the tip with the flowable polymer, energizing the tip to create a potential difference between the tip and the collector, and thereby producing the nanofiber. Systems and methods for using nanofibers so created may be used for anticounterfeiting or object identification.

Abstract: A method and system of determining fiber diameter distribution of a fibrous media is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one digital image representative of the fibrous media, pre-processing the images, binarizing the images, generating virtual lines on the image, solving for fiber fringe points on each of generated line, solving for fiber center points as a mean of the fringe points, generating and growing measurement circles about the fiber center points, repositioning circles and center points to avoid fiber intersections, resizing the repositioned measurement circles to intersect the opposing fringes, and calculating fiber diameters and fiber spacing.

Abstract: A system for the characterization of webs that permits the identification of anomalous regions on the web to be performed at a first time and place, and permits the localization and marking of actual defects to be performed at a second time and place.

Abstract: Taught herein is an apparatus for measurement of floating body posture of a person wearing a life jacket, comprising a backpack frame having a plurality of reference points, an image collecting system, and an image processing system; wherein the image collecting system collects image sequence information of the person wearing the life jacket via the reference points; the image processing system processes the image sequence information, so as to obtain the dynamics of a movement of the person and the quasi-static parameters of such movement. The system is capable of reflecting the dynamics of a movement of a body in water and the quasi-static parameters thereof.