3D apparel creation based on computer mannequin model. Part I: System kernel and formulas

Purpose - This ongoing research revolute the conventional clothing design process by garment constructions in truly three dimensions rather than in two dimensions by ways of pattern design. The aim of the research is to develop a computer-assisted clothing design tool in complete three dimensions. It would provide the garment designers the capabilities of 3D basal garment creation, restyling, and static fitting analysis when wearing on a digital mannequin. The kernel of the design environment and the mathematical formulas used in garment creation are described, results and implementations will be presented later in part II of this paper. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, a mannequin-based garment design and restyling tools in three dimensions is proposed. The tools are based on mathematical formulas which provide an intuitive way of computer-aided garment design. Findings - Free style creation on clothes is performed by the provided tools and its formulas behind. Feature-based mannequin model is initially constructed by its features interpolation. The crucial girths on garment, for instances, collar girth and sleeve girth are generated from the neck girth and the armhole girth, respectively. Based on the feature girths on the mannequin, garment surface is "radial grown" from the digital mannequin. B-spline surface, loft surface, and sweep surface are used to build blouse, sleeve, and collar for creation and restyling. Research limitations/implications - Basal garment is initially "grown" from the computer mannequin model, which means, size grading no longer becomes extra work. 3D restyling tool is then invoked to conduct versatile designs by exhibiting designers' imagination space. Static fitting analysis is easily performed by the corresponding features on the mannequin. Originality/value - In this paper, a new three dimensions method in clothing design for clothes style creation and restyling in three dimensions on a digital mannequin model is proposed. In this research, a truly 3D garment design tool is developed in order to break through currently paper draft design concept.