Patent Publication Number: US-2021182443-A1

Title: Breast Shape and Upper Torso Enhancement Tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This utility patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/205,520 filed on Nov. 30, 2018, and Ser. Nos. 15/082,489 and 15/082,314 filed on Mar. 28, 2016, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to garment sizing technology. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many women wear the wrong bra size for a variety of reasons. Women can take several different bra sizes depending on the shape, cut, fabric and brand of the bra. In addition, there are many different styles to choose from and certain body shapes may not be suitable for particular styles. For example, women have a choice of features and styles that include wired, non-wired, plunge, t-shirt, padded, balcony or demi, full cup, strapless, exercise, and nursing bras. Choosing the wrong style can result in a poor fit. Other problems include a lack of experienced brassier consultants and salespeople to help find the best fit. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one general aspect, a method of determining brassiere measurements of a user with an imaging device includes capturing one or more image of a trunk of the user with the imaging device, detecting locations on the trunk from the one or more image, and calculating a band size and cup size based on the detected locations on the trunk. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, the detecting locations on the trunk may include left side and right side of the base of the user. The distance between left and right sides is calculated to determine the band size. The band size can be derived from the formula: (distance between the left side and the right side of the base of the neck) multiplied by the numerical value of pi multiplied by the number 2. 
     As another feature, the location of the top of the sternum can be located. In this case, the band size can be derived from the formula: (distance between one of the either side and the top of the sternum of the user) multiplied by the number 4. Another band size formula may be (D*π/2)+2D, wherein D is the distance between each side of the base of the neck of the user. 
     As another feature, a three-dimensional model of the user can be developed by integration of the captured images. The three-dimensional model can be used to obtain measurements, such as, for example, a semicircular distance between each side of a base of a neck of the user. The semicircular distance can be used to calculate band size based on an approximation neck size relative to chest size. For example, the band size can be calculated as the semicircular distance between each side of the base of the neck of the user multiplied by the number 4. 
     Other locations on the trunk can be identified, such as, for example, a location on a breast of the user that is the closest point to the imaging device and a location immediately below the breast of the user that is on a vertical axis relative to the location of the closest point to the imaging device. The cup size can be calculated as the horizontal distance between the location immediately below the breast and the closest point to the imaging device. 
     The closest point to the imaging device may also be on a bra of the user and the cup size can be calculated as the horizontal distance between the location at the bottom of the bra and the closest point on the bra to the imaging device. 
     The user may have a mobile electronic device which incorporated the imaging and bra sizing applications. The application may have display one or more marker or outline appearing on the display screen of the mobile electronics device. The user can be prompted to line up the outline with various parts of the body. For example, the markers may be shoulder, neck or breast position markers that are aligned for proper measurement. Alignment tools may be provided to adjust the positions of the markers on the display screen. 
     Various locations can be identified on the trunk of the user, such as, at each side of a base of a neck ( 1 ,  2 ) of the user, at each edge of a rib cage proximate to the bottom of each breast ( 11 ,  12 ) of the user, a position at which a bra strap goes over a shoulder ( 3 ,  5 ) of the user, a position of maximum curvature at a top of an intersection of an arm and a shoulder ( 9 ,  10 ) of the user, a position at a lowest point of each breast ( 7 ,  8 ) of the user, a position immediately above a sternum ( 17 ) of the user, a position at a top-center of each breast as the breast begins to arc away from the chest wall ( 4 ,  6 ) of the user, and/or a position at a top edge of a bra adjacent to the top, center of the breast as it begins to arc away from the chest wall ( 13 ,  14 ) of the user. 
     These identified positions can be used to determine band size and the cup size by measuring a distance between position  1 ,  2  and  17 , position  3  and  4  and position  5  and  6 , position  7  and  8 , position  9  and  10  and position  11  and  12 . 
     As another feature, clusters of pixels may be identified which represent the trunk or body of the user. As a further feature, the number of pixels in the captured images may be used to calculate distances, such as the distance between the image device and the user. More specifically, the number of pixels is calculated, an object on the user can be identified (such as a bra), the distance between the imaging device and the closest point of the object and the imaging device and the bottom of the bra can be calculated based on the number of pixels, and the distance between the closest point and the lowest point can be used to obtain a bust depth measurement which is used to calculate the cup size. 
     In another general aspect, a method of obtaining a three-dimensional image of a body of a user with a mobile electronics device located at a fixed position includes capturing more than one image of the body of the user, changing a relative position of a light source from the device during each captured more than one image, and integrating the more images into a three-dimensional image. 
     In a further general aspect, a method of determining brassiere measurements of a user with an imaging device include identifying a location at each side of a base of a neck of the user, calculating a distance (D) between each side of the base of the neck of the user, and calculating the band size derived from the formula: (D*π/2)+2D. 
     In still a further general aspect, a method of determining brassiere band size of a user with an imaging device includes identifying a location at a left side ( 1 ) and a right side ( 2 ) of a base of a neck of the user and calculating the band size derived from the formula ((D*π/2)+2D)*2, wherein D is a straight-line distance between 1 and 2. 
     The visualization and measurements obtained can also be used as a modeling system that utilizes a series of images to develop a three-dimensional image of an upper torso. Once the 3D model is completed, it can be manipulated to, for example, simulate a larger breast size or to increase the amount of lift. This result can be saved as a second 3D model. Comparison of the before and after 3D models yields a chest or breast mask product with dimensions and a volume as the difference in dimensions between the two models. With these measurements the chest or breast mask can be printed on a three-dimensional printer to produce as an actual mask with accurate dimensions for a specific user. The breast pad or mask can be worn over the breast to model a simulated result of cosmetic surgery. In another embodiment, the breast pad or mask can be worn inside a brassiere or can be worn instead of a brassiere for aesthetic purposes. 
     In one general aspect, a method of making a breast pad or mask, includes enhancing a bust size of a three-dimensional (3D) image of a user that illustrates a current body shape, comparing an enhanced 3D image to the current body shape 3D image and subtracting the bust size of the enhanced 3D image from the current body shape 3D image to produce a 3D image of a breast pad or mask. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, the method may include printing the 3D image of the breast pad or mask on a 3D printer. As another feature, the user may be prompted to take the current body shape 3D image. As another feature, the current body shape 3D image may be taken with a single mobile device that provides light from different angles of a display pad of the device. 
     The user may include an object of known size and color in the 3D image of the current body shape. Since the object has a known size, the algorithm can account for variations in how the camera is held and positioned to get a more accurate 3D breast volume image. 
     Since the object also has one or more known colors, it can be used for calibration purposes to get an accurate skin tone or color of the user&#39;s skin. Thus, a 3D image of the breast pad or mask may be printed with an accurate the skin color of the user. 
     In another general aspect, a method of making a mask that can be worn on a user&#39;s upper torso with an imaging device includes capturing more than one image of an upper torso of the user with the imaging device, detecting locations on the upper torso from the more than one image, producing a three dimensional (3D) upper torso image of the user from the detected locations, enhancing a bust size of the 3D upper torso to produce an enhanced 3D image, comparing the enhanced 3D image to the 3D upper torso image, producing a 3D image of the mask based on the comparison of the enhanced 3D image and the 3D upper torso image, wherein the mask includes the difference in volume between the 3D bust size image and the 3D upper torso image, and the mask includes a shape having an inner surface that conforms to the natural contours of the user&#39;s body and an outer surface of that conforms to the contours of the user&#39;s desired appearance, and producing the mask from the 3D image of the mask. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, detecting locations on the upper torso includes identifying a location at a left side and a right side of a base of a neck of the user and further including calculating a distance between the left side and the right side of the base of the neck. An upper torso circumference may be derived by calculating the distance between the left side and the right side of the base of the neck and then multiplying by a numerical value of π multiplied by the number 2. 
     As another feature, determining an upper torso circumference includes identifying a location at either side of a base of a neck of the user, identifying a location at a top of a sternum of the user, calculating a distance between one of the either side and the top of the sternum of the user, and calculating an upper torso circumference as the distance between one of the either side and the top of the sternum of the user) multiplied by the number 4. 
     As another embodiment, detecting locations on the upper torso of the user includes identifying a location at each side of a base of a neck of the user, and further including calculating a distance (D) between each side of the base of the neck of the user, and calculating an upper torso circumference from the formula: (D*π/2)+2D. 
     As another feature detecting locations on the upper torso includes identifying a location at each side of a base of a neck of the user, and further including determining a semicircular distance between each side of a base of a neck location at each side of a base of a neck of the user and calculating a semicircular distance between each side of the base of the neck of the user multiplied by the number 4. 
     Detecting locations on the upper torso may also include identifying a location on a breast of the user that is the closest point to the imaging device and identifying a location immediately below the breast of the user that is on a vertical axis relative to the location of the closest point to the imaging device, and further including calculating a breast depth from the horizontal distance between the location immediately below the breast and the closest point to the imaging device. 
     Detecting locations on the upper torso from the more than one image can include identifying a position at each side of a base of a neck ( 1 ,  2 ) of the user, at each edge of a rib cage proximate to the bottom of each breast ( 11 ,  12 ) of the user, a position at which a bra strap goes over a shoulder ( 3 ,  5 ) of the user, a position of maximum curvature at a top of an intersection of an arm and a shoulder ( 9 ,  10 ) of the user, a position at a lowest point of each breast ( 7 ,  8 ) of the user, a position immediately above a sternum ( 17 ) of the user, a position at a top-center of each breast as the breast begins to arc away from the chest wall ( 4 ,  6 ) of the user, and a position at a top edge of a bra adjacent to the top, center of the breast as it begins to arc away from the chest wall ( 13 ,  14 ) of the user. 
     Detecting locations on the upper torso from the more than one image may further include identifying one or more cluster of pixels representing the upper torso, and further including counting the number of pixels in the captured more than one image and calculating a distance between the image device and the user based on the number of pixels. 
     As another feature, actual dimensions may be based on reference to a calibration measurement. It may include identifying an object of known dimensions on the upper torso of the user and calibrating image dimensions based on the known dimensions of the object. The object may have a known color or colors and a comparison may be used to determine a skin tone of the user based on the comparison with the object. The mask may then be produced with the skin tone of the user. 
     As another feature, the mask may be produced with a 3D printer. The mask may be inserted in a bra-like device to be worn by the user. The mask can also be produced with tabs and/or slots and straps can be attached to the tabs and/or slots for the mask to be worn on the upper torso of the user. 
     As another feature each image of the upper torso of the user may be illuminated with different portions of the display screen to produce images with changes in light patterns, reflections and shadows. These differences are detected to assist in producing the 3D image of the upper torso. 
     In still another implementation, a device, includes a camera to capture a series of images of a trunk of a user, a display screen to illuminate the trunk of the user from different positions on the display screen for each of the series of images, a processor to produce a three-dimensional (3D) image of the trunk of the user based on the detected changes in light patterns, an input device to allow the user to enhance a bust size of the 3D image on the display screen to produce an enhanced 3D image on the display screen, and a comparison unit to compare the enhanced 3D image to the 3D image of the trunk of the user. The processor can produce a 3D image of a chest mask that can be worn over the chest of the user, wherein the chest mask includes differences in volume of the dimensions between the enhanced 3D image and 3D image of the trunk of the user, wherein the chest mask includes an inner surface that conforms to the natural contours of the user&#39;s body and an outer surface that conforms to the contours of the user&#39;s desired size and the chest mask can be produced with a 3D printer. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a 3D model of a user; 
         FIG. 2  shows an editor application on a mobile device; 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  are three dimensional images of a user with enhanced breast sizes; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show original and enhanced 3D images; 
         FIG. 6  shows sizes differences of the two busts; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show breast masks or cups printed from a 3D printer; 
         FIG. 8  shows a display screen of a mobile device; 
         FIG. 9  shows a number diagram of positions on the trunk/chest; 
         FIG. 10  shows a band measurement methodology; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  shows a cup measurement methodology; 
         FIGS. 12-13  show a block diagram of a measurement apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The described system and method can be used for brassiere measurement and/or to produce a three-dimensional chest or breast mask. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a user can take a three-dimensional (3D) scan of a front portion of the torso. In one embodiment, a 3D scanner software application is downloaded to a portable electronic device, such as, for example, a tablet personal computer or a smartphone is used as a 3D scanner. 
     In one embodiment, the 3D scanner application takes a series of images with lighting provided from several different directions by the display panel of the portable device. In another embodiments, a camera flash or other source of light is used. For example, light can be projected from upper, lower, left and right quadrants of the display panel while capturing a series of four images. In either of these embodiments the user can be instructed to take the series of images in a darkened room. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , the user has a breast cup size A. To ensure privacy, the 3D image can be converted to a grid pattern and/or a series of measurements. The scanned image can be stored on the device or e-mailed to another device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the user opens another software application and imports the 3D image into an editor of the application. The editor has a variety of tools available to alter breast appearance. For example, the user can slide a control from breast sizes A, B, C or D. The user can also define an area on the screen and use the larger or smaller buttons to increase or decrease the size of the defined area. As another editing feature, the user can separately adjust lift and size. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the user manipulates the editing controls to product 3d images with size B and C breasts, respectively. The application calculates the change in volume from the original image to be an addition of 220 and 420 cubic centimeters of volume, respectively. 
     At this point, the user has various virtual display options. For example, the user has tools to see what the image looks like in swimwear, a gown, a business suit or other clothing. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the user selects one of the enhanced images for comparison to the original (before look). The image can be rotated for different views. 
     The user can export a stereo lithography (STL) file of the 3D image to a 3D printer. The image of the enhanced breast size can be printed and essentially worn as a mask to try on the new enhanced breast size. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another alternative is to compare the volume of the original 3D scan and the enhanced 3D scan and subtract the dimensions of the two 3D models to produce a breast pad or mask with a volume and dimensions that fits the natural contours of the user&#39;s body but increases the bust to the desired size. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show two embodiments of the bust pads printed on a 3D printer.  FIG. 7A  shows an individual bust pad that can be worn over the user&#39;s breast. The breast pad or chest mask can also be designed so that it cannot be seen beneath a bra. Thus, the user can wear the breast pad or mask under various clothing. In another embodiment, the chest mask can be worn instead of a bra. 
       FIG. 7B  shows the breast pad or mask worn as cups in a bra-like device that can be worn by the user. The 3D breast pad or mask can be printed with tabs or slot to attach the straps. In another embodiment, a brassiere with pockets is provided to insert the breast mask. The system also allows the user to have a customer brassiere made that includes breast masks. In this embodiment, the breast masks may be permanently installed in the customer brassiere. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a mobile device  810  includes a display screen  812  and a camera lens  814 . The mobile device  810  may also have a camera flash (not shown), however, this is only used when the flash is located on the same side of the device  810  as the display screen. Illumination from the display screen  812  can be provided from different positions, such as, for example, top left  816 , top right  818 , center  820 , bottom left  822  and bottom right  824 . A series of images can be taken by the camera  814  while the lighting position is varied on the display screen  812 . The intensity of the lighting from the display screen can also be varied. In another embodiment, the light from the camera flash may also be used to vary the lighting level or position of the lighting emanating from the device  810 . 
     The images can then be compared and the varied lighting from different angles and positions can be used to produce a three-dimensional image of the front half or a front portion of the object being photographed. In one embodiment, the images are taken in a darkened room or similar space so that the major source of light is from the cameral flash or display screen of the device. 
     The mobile device  812  may be, for example, a smart phone, a computer tablet, and/or any mobile computer device having a camera and a display screen. The mobile device may include, for example, random access memory, storage memory, a central processing unit, an operating system and software applications. The device  812  may be used with a SIM card for mobile communications and the device may also have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other types of connectivity. The device  812  may also have a global positioning system, touch screen, display, keyboard, pen stylus, speakers, and a microphone. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an image of the trunk/torso/chest of the user is shown with various numbered points that are detected and identified as follows:
           1 ,  2  Base of neck on each side;     3 ,  5  Position where bra strap sits at top of shoulder;     4 ,  6  Center of each breast at top of breast as it begins to arc away from the chest wall;     7 ,  8  Bottom of each breast at lowest point;     9 ,  10  Position of top edge where shoulder and arm meet at maximum angle;     13 ,  14  Edge of bra at horizontal position at center of each breast at top of breast as it begins to arc away from the chest wall;     17  Center position of body immediately above top of sternum; and     8 ,  19  Closest positions to imaging device.       

     These numbered points can be used to determine various measurements:
           1 - 17 - 2  Circumference around base of neck to the sternum     11 - 12  Measurement around rib cage, directly under the bust.     15 - 16  Horizontal distance between edge of breasts at position where breasts are closest.       

       FIG. 10  shows a methodology of calculating neck size and bra band size. In one embodiment, a linear measurement at the base of the neck from  1 - 2  measures the diameter of the neck (D1). The back half circumference of the neck is calculated as D1*π/2. The distance from each side of the neck to the top of the sternum is assumed to be an equilateral triangle or equal to D1. Based on typical proportions, the band size is then calculated as follows: 
       Band size=( D 1+ D 1+( D 1×π/2))×2
 
     The band size is then rounded up to the nearest size. For example, assume D1 is 5.25″, then the band size is calculated as 37.49″ based on the following: 
       (5.25+5.25+(5.25×π/2))×2=37.49
 
     This calculation is then rounded up to the next standardized band size of 38″. 
       FIGS. 11 a  and 11 b    show a method of determining cup size of a woman&#39;s breast. The device measures the distance from the closest point (CP)  120  on the bra of the subject. The device then finds the lowest point (LP)  122  on the bra that is vertically below the CP  120 . The horizontal distance between CP and LP is then calculated to determine a breast depth. The breast depth is then used in conjunction with the band size to determine the cup size. 
     For each inch of projection of the breast there is a commensurate increase in cup size. That is because cup size is a measure of depth and not a measure of volume. For example, a 30-inch band size and one inch of projection results in a cup size of A. For each additional inch of depth, the cup size increases to B, C, D, E (DD), F (DDD), G, H, I, J, K, L, respectively. The same relationship holds true for other band sizes. However, as the band size increases to, for example, 32, 34 and 36 inches, the cup size is reduced by one letter to maintain the same volume. 
     In one embodiment, the application has an algorithm with a Bayes classifier that classifies image pixels on the trunk/torso of the user into skin pixels and non-skin pixels. Thus, the outline of the bra can be identified, and the measurements can be obtained. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a system controller of a brassiere measurement apparatus. The system controller includes an alignment controller  210 , a camera controller  220 , a display lighting controller  230  and an image processor  240 . The alignment controller  210  can be used to respond to the user adjustments to adjust the positions of the markers on the display screen. The camera controller  220  automatically controls focus and other image parameters. 
     In one embodiment, a series of images may be taken at different focus depths. A mathematical algorithm can be used to calculate the angle at which the light is striking each pixel by comparing slight differences between the images taken from the same position but focused at different depths. The image processor  240  can then combine the images to produce a three-dimensional image. 
     In another embodiment, the display lighting controller  230  projects light from the display screen of the mobile device from different portions of the display screen. For example, the display screen may be illuminated in separate quadrants to produce multiple images with lighting from different angles. The algorithm uses the illumination from different positions or angles to detect patterns of light reflected off an object to build a three-dimensional model of the portions of the object that are visible to the camera. This technique may be used in conjunction with very low levels of background lighting to utilize only the light from the display for imaging purposes. 
     By using changing focus depths and/or changes in directions of illumination, the mobile device may be held in a stationary position and still be able to produce a three-dimensional image. For example, the user can hold the camera (mobile device) at arms-length from one position to produce a three-dimensional image of the user&#39;s upper trunk/torso. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of an image processor of a measurement apparatus for brassieres or breast masks. The apparatus includes a trunk feature detection unit  310 , a skin and non-skin classifier  320 , a pixel counter  330 , a mapping unit  340  and a measurement unit  350 . The reference measurement or pixel counter unit is used for calibration of dimensions of an object in the field of view based on comparison to the reference. 
     The trunk feature detection unit  310  determines the portions of the object in the field of view that comprises the trunk of a user. The skin and non-skin classifier  320  determines what portion of the trunk is skin and what portion may be clothing. For example, a user can take an imager of her trunk while wearing a bra and the classifier  320  determines the outline of the bra and the outline of the user&#39;s body. The measurement unit  350  processes the image in comparison to the dimensions from the reference unit to produce a three-dimensional image with accurate dimensions that include length, width and depth as well as volume. 
     The apparatus can be provided on a mobile device, such as, a handheld computing device, having a display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard. The handheld computing device has an operating system, and can run various types of application software, known as apps. The device can also be equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities that can allow connections to the Internet and other Bluetooth-capable devices. A camera can also be used on the device which should have a stable battery power source such as a lithium battery. 
     The above description of various embodiments reveals the general nature of the invention so that others can readily modify and/or adapt for various applications other embodiments without departing from the concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications are within the scope of the claims and equivalents. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The means, materials, and steps for carrying out various disclosed functions may take a variety of alternative forms without departing from the invention.