COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD, DETERMINATION SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND ELECTRONICALLY READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR DETERMINING PRODUCTION VALUES FOR PRODUCING A CUSTOM-TAILORED KNITTED GARMENT

Abstract

Computer-implemented method for determining production values for producing a custom-tailored, in particular skin-tight, knitted garment (31) for a limb (3) of a person, comprising the steps of receiving a three-dimensional dataset (11) of the limb (3) acquired using a 3D scan device (21), receiving at least one height value describing the dimension of a knitting row (9) in the lengthwise direction of the limb (3) and at least one total length value for at least one lengthwise section (4) of the garment (31) and determining a number of knitting rows (9) for the at least one section (4) of the garment (31) by dividing the total length value by the height value, evaluating the three-dimensional dataset (11) to derive a circumference information describing the circumference of the limb (3) along at least the length of the limb (3) covered by the at least one section (4), from the circumference information, determining a circumference value for each n-th knitting row (9) or each knitting row (9) except every n-th knitting row (9), wherein n is a natural number, in the at least one section (4), wherein the circumference values are used as and/or for deriving production values for the knitted garment (31).

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method for determining production values for producing a custom-tailored, in particular skin-tight, knitted garment (31) for a limb (3) of a person, comprising the steps of receiving a three-dimensional dataset (11) of the limb (3) acquired using a 3D scan device (21), receiving at least one height value describing the dimension of a knitting row (9) in the lengthwise direction of the limb (3) and at least one total length value for at least one lengthwise section (4) of the garment (31) and determining a number of knitting rows (9) for the at least one section (4) of the garment (31) by dividing the total length value by the height value, evaluating the three-dimensional dataset (11) to derive a circumference information describing the circumference of the limb (3) along at least the length of the limb (3) covered by the at least one section (4), from the circumference information, determining a circumference value for each n-th knitting row (9) or each knitting row (9) except every n-th knitting row (9), wherein n is a natural number, in the at least one section (4), wherein the circumference values are used as and/or for deriving production values for the knitted garment (31).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the circumference information comprises multiple scan values (14) for the circumference in each height value interval (10) corresponding to a knitting row (9) along the lengthwise direction, wherein the circumference value for a knitting row (9) is determined from the multiple scan values (14) in the corresponding height value interval by statistical evaluation, in particular as a mean or a maximum or a minimum of the scan values (14).

3. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a number of stitches and/or a stitch width and/or at least one weft property, in particular a weft pretension and/or a weft amount for each knitting row (9) is determined from the circumference values as production values.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that a smoothing filter is applied to the circumference information and/or the circumference values in the lengthwise direction.

5. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one optics adaptation criterion is applied to at least a part of the circumference values and/or values derived therefrom in the lengthwise direction, wherein, if at least one of the at least one optics adaptation criterion is fulfilled, at least one circumference value and/or derived value is adapted and/or at least one further production value is chosen according to a rule associated with the fulfilled optics adaptation criterion.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one of the at least one optics adaptation criterion evaluates a, in particular local, slope of the circumference values and/or derived values, in particular by comparing with at least one threshold value, and/or a local shape resulting from the circumference values and/or derived values, in particular regarding the presence of local indentations (16), and/or compares the circumference values with at least one comparison curve.

7. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that the further production values describe the amount of weft threads and/or the pretension of at least one thread and/or a stitch number and/or a stitch size and/or the presence of at least one partial knitted row (9).

8. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one artificial intelligence optics adaptation algorithm is applied to at least a part of the circumference values and/or values derived thereof in the lengthwise direction for adapting at least one production value regarding the optical impression of the garment (31).

9. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one optics adaptation criterion has been defined and/or the optics adaptation algorithm has been trained based on complaint data regarding returned garments.

10. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the positions of the circumference values are chosen to encompass at least one measurement position defined by a standard, in particular RAL, and/or at least one additional circumference value is determined at at least one additional measurement position defined by a standard, in particular RAL.

11. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the garment (31) is a compression garment (31), wherein a tension value is calculated from each circumference value as a skin value.

12. Method for producing a custom-tailored knitted garment (31) for a limb (3) of a person, comprising automatically performing the steps of a method according to claim 1, whereafter the knitted garment (31) is automatically produced by a garment production apparatus, in particular a knitting machine (30), using the determined production values.

13. Determination system (18) for determining production values for producing a custom-tailored, in particular skin-tight, knitted garment (31) for a limb (3) of a person, comprising: a first interface (20) for receiving a three-dimensional dataset (11) of the limb (3) acquired using a 3D scan device (21), a second interface (23) for receiving at least one height value describing the dimension of a knitting row (9) in the lengthwise direction of the limb (3) and at least one total length value for at least one lengthwise section (4) of the garment (31), a first determination unit (25) for determining a number of knitting rows (9) for the at least one section (4) of the garment (31) by dividing the total length value by the height value, an evaluation unit (26) for evaluating the three-dimensional dataset (11) to derive a circumference information describing the circumference of the limb (3) along at least the length of the limb (3) covered by the at least one section (4), a second determination unit (27) for determining, from the circumference information, a circumference value for each n-th knitting row (9) or each knitting row (9) except every n-th knitting row (9), wherein n is a natural number, in the at least one section (4), a third interface (29) for providing the circumference values and/or for production values derived therefrom.

14. Computer program, which performs the steps of a method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed on a computing device, in particular of a determination system (18).

15. Electronically readable storage medium, on which a computer program according to claim 14 is stored.

Description

[0052] Further details and advantages of the current invention become apparent from the following description of detailed embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which

[0053] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention,

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of a leg and corresponding circumferences,

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a detail of a limb and corresponding circumferences,

[0056] FIG. 4 is an illustration regarding an indentation in a garment, and

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a determination system according to the invention.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method according to the invention. In the computer-implemented method shown, production values for producing a custom-tailored knitted garment, in this case a compression garment, for a limb, in this case a leg, of a person are determined and, optionally, also automatically used to produce the knitted garment based on the determined production values.

[0059] In a step S1, at least one height value describing the dimension of a knitting row in a length direction of the limb and at least one total length value for at least one lengthwise section of the garment are received and the number of knitting rows for the at least one section of the garment is determined by dividing the total length value by the height value. The input parameters 1, that is, the height value and the total length value, are also indicated in FIG. 1. They may, for example, be received as a presetting, however, it is also possible to use actual information about the length of the limb of the person, in particular from a three-dimensional dataset as discussed below, in conjunction with a general size requirement of the garment to calculate the length of the at least one section, which may, in embodiments, also comprise the whole knitted garment.

[0060] In FIG. 2, a principle sketch of a leg 2 as the limb 3 is shown. The exemplary section 4 extends from the ankle 5 to a position 6 on the thigh. The section 4 spans a total length 7 also indicated in FIG. 2.

[0061] If, now, the height of a knitting row 8 is known, the length 7 can be filled with these knitting rows such that each knitting row spans a height value interval along the lengthwise direction of the limb 3, as indicated by the lines 8 and the ellipsis indicated in the thigh area. In this manner, the number of knitting rows in the section 4 as well as the position and extension are known.

[0062] This is, in more detail, shown in FIG. 3, shown for only a small part of the limb 3. Three knitting rows 9 are indicated, each spanning a height value interval 10 in the lengthwise direction of the limb 3.

[0063] Returning now to FIG. 1, in a step S2, if not already used for determining the total length, a three-dimensional dataset 11 of the limb 3, which was acquired by a 3D scanning device, in particular a mobile device like a tablet or a mobile phone running a corresponding application, is received. Also in step S2, the three-dimensional dataset 11 is evaluated to derive a circumference information describing the circumference of the limb 3 along at least the length of the limb 3 covered by the section 4. Such a circumference information is depicted in FIG. 2 as a curve 12 in the graph 13, wherein the ordinate shows the scan value s for the circumference, the abscissa the length l along the limb 3. This evaluation is possible since the three-dimensional dataset 11 describes the surface of the limb 3.

[0064] In a step S3, the circumference information is used to determine a circumference value for, in this case each, knitting row 9 in the section 4. Alternatively or for other sections 4, it is also possible to determine the circumference value only for each n-th knitting row, where n>1, for example for each second or third knitting row 9. Further, it is conceivable to determine the circumference value for every knitting row except every n-th knitting row, wherein n>2 in this case, to implement a high, but yet not complete sampling.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, in each height value interval, multiple scan values 14 for the circumference are comprised by the circumference information due to high spatial resolution. To determine the circumference value, these scan values 14 for each height value interval 10 are statistically evaluated, in particular by calculating a mean value as the circumference value. Alternatively, a maximum or a minimum may also be used.

[0066] Returning now to FIG. 1, in an optional step S4, a smoothing filter may be applied to the circumference information and/or the circumference value in the lengthwise direction. Additionally or alternatively, an outlier detection may be performed to detect or remove outliers. Of course, if the smoothing filter and/or the outlier detection are to be applied to the circumference information, step S4 takes place before step S3. In any case, a curve representing the circumference value is smoothed and/or undesired outliers, for example due to evaluation or measurement errors, may be removed.

[0067] In a step S5, multiple optics adaption criteria are applied to the circumference values. The optics adaption criteria check whether undesired optical effects might be present in the produced knitted garment if those circumference values are used, in particular without adapting further production values. For example, a first optics adaption criterion checks whether a, in particular local slope (gradient) of the circumference values and/or values derived therefrom exceeds at least one threshold, such that sudden changes in gradient may be detected. A second optics adaptation criterion evaluates a local shape, in particular regarding the presence of local indentations and/or bulges. This is exemplarily indicated in FIG. 4, where the curve 15 illustrates the outline according to circumference values determined in step S3 in an example. As can clearly be seen, an indentation 16 is present, which would compromise the optical impression of the garment when produced.

[0068] In a third optics adaption criterion in step S5, the circumference values, in particular their curve 15, is compared with at least one comparison curve and the deviation is compared with another threshold value.

[0069] If any of the optics adaption criteria in step S5 is fulfilled in a step S6, action is taken to adapt the at least one circumference value and/or a derived value and/or at least one further production value such that the optical flaw is removed, in particular without noticeably compromising a medical or sports effect to be exerted by the knitted garment, in particular compression garment, and without noticeably compromising the all-over-fit.

[0070] Depending on the optical flaw detected, multiple possibilities to adapt circumference values and/or further production values are possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 by the dashed curve 17, the circumference values may be adjusted to provide a smoother corrected curve 15, 17, 15. However, it is also possible to adapt the amount of weft threads and/or the pretension of the weft thread and/or stitch number and/or stitch size and/or the presence of at least one partial knitted row. The usage of the partial knitted rows is in particular advantageous if high slopes are to be mitigated and the like. In the case of FIG. 4, for example, alternatively the pretension in areas around the possible indentations 16 may be increased such that the knitted garment, when not worn, automatically flattens out the indentation 16. Of course, other ways to adapt also exist depending on the limb, the anatomical area, the type of optical flaw and/or other factors.

[0071] If none of the optics adaption criteria in step S5 is fulfilled, and as soon as circumference values and/or further production values are adapted in step S6, the method proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the final set of production parameters is determined and/or compiled. Production parameters, of course also comprising the already named further production parameters, may comprise a number of stitches and/or stitch width and/or at least one weft property for each knitting row, taking into account possible adaptations performed in step S6. In the case of a compression garment, for each circumference value, which is then understood as a skin value, a tension value may also be determined, as laid out above in the general description.

[0072] An optional step S9 may also be performed if, additionally to the circumference values determined in step S3 (and potentially adapted in step S6), additional circumference values are to be determined at additional measurement positions defined by a standard, in particular RAL. In step S9, the three-dimensional dataset 11 may also be evaluated to first derive a reference position of an anatomical feature of the limb along the length of the limb from the dataset 11, and afterwards determine the additional measurement position using at least one rule of a rule set, wherein each rule relates at least one reference position to at least one additional measurement position. In this manner, two sets of circumference values exist, one, determined in the steps S1-S6, in a high resolution, in particular for each knitting row, another, determined in step S9, for certain predefined measurement positions of a standard, which may not exactly coincide with positions of the knitting rows. However, for further optimizing the fit of the knitted garment and its desired effect, these additional circumference values may also be taken into account when determining final production parameters in step S7.

[0073] If the production of the knitted garment shall also be performed fully automated, the step S8, the determine production values may be used to control a garment production apparatus, in particular a knitting machine, to produce the knitted garment.

[0074] It should be noted that at least one of the optics adaptation criteria may also be implemented by at least one artificial intelligence optics adaptation algorithm, which may also combine steps S5 and S6. Generally, the optics adaptation criteria have preferably been defined based on complaint data regarding returned garments. In the case of the optics adaptation algorithm, the complaint data may form part of a training data used in machine learning for the artificial intelligence optics adaptation algorithm.

[0075] FIG. 5 finally shows a principle drawing of a determination system 18 according to the current invention. The determination system 18 may comprise at least one computing device, in particular a computing device of a manufacturer, which, in turn, usually has at least one processor (not shown) and at least one storage means 19. Functional units to be discussed with respect to FIG. 5 as well as further functional units may be implemented as hardware and/or software, in particular using the at least one processor.

[0076] The determination system 18 comprises a first interface 20 for receiving the three-dimensional dataset 11 of the limb 3, in particular from the used 3D scanning device 21, which may, as discussed, for example be a mobile phone 22 having a camera and running a corresponding application.

[0077] Via a second interface 23, information regarding the total length value and the height value may be received, in particular from another or the same computing device 24, which may or may not be identical to the 3D scanning device 21.

[0078] In a first determination unit 25, the number of knitting rows 9 for the section 4 is determined according to step S1. In an evaluation unit 26, the three-dimensional dataset 11 is evaluated according to step S2. In a second determination unit 27 the circumference values according to step S3 are determined, while, in an optics adaptation unit 28, the steps S5 and S6 may be performed. The final set of production values is compiled and output by a third interface 29, step S7, for example to a knitting machine 30. The knitting machine 30 may produce the custom-tailored compression garment 31 according to these production values. Of course, the determination system 18 may comprise further functional units, in particular regarding optional steps as discussed regarding FIG. 1.