Mobile 3D body scanning applications: a review of contact-free AI body measuring solutions for apparel

• Published in: Journal of the Textile Institute Vol. 115; no. 7; pp. 1161 - 1172
• Main Authors: Idrees, Sadia, Gill, Simeon, Vignali, Gianpaolo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Manchester Taylor & Francis 02.07.2024; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: 3D body scanning; Applications programs; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Avatars; Body fat; Body parts; Content analysis; Customization; Electronic commerce; fashion e-commerce; mass-customisation; mobile scanning; Product development; Scanners; size recommendation; Smartphones; Surface area; Three dimensional bodies; virtual try-on
• ISSN: 0040-5000; 1754-2340
• DOI: 10.1080/00405000.2023.2216099

This paper reviews current mobile body scanning applications, exploring strengths and weaknesses and proposals to develop product development and selection approaches. Body scanning delivers a greater depth of data to support product development and advancements in mobile technology, bringing body scanning into the hands of the consumer. Detailed analysis of the human body is possible with mobile scanners; distances, girths, heights, width, surface area, body fat percentage and circumferences can be obtained on a personal smartphone. 3D body scanning apps offer contactless full-body scanning, while some scan body parts individually by identifying landmarking points required to extract body dimensions for product selection and development. The key application themes such as features, benefits, proposed solutions and mechanisms were identified and analysed comparatively after content analysis of eighteen 3D mobile scanner apps. Consequently, it is determined that the mobile scanning process is fast (maximum 5 min and minimum 30 sec), and image capture requirements for scanning use a front and side view image. However, for some applications, the scanning requirement is a back and side scan; front, back and side scan; multiple front and side scans and some apps require a 360-degree scan to generate a 3D personalised avatar and a list of measurements. The applications provide not only digital measurements for customisation but also offer advanced features of virtual try-on, virtual dressing room, body tracking (body fat monitoring/body surface area/BMI), size and fit visualisation and recommendation (Body fit, regular and loose fit preference in garment selection) for personalised online shopping. Therefore, the enhanced opportunities of mobile body scanning applications permit users to enjoy personalising, empowering the consumer to select or produce products to wear and enhance online shopping.