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162 Anthropometry, Apparel Sizing and Design

it is convenient to use the same system to make the scans and to derive the desired
data from the scans, this is sometimes not the optimal choice for the needs of the
study. If one system is ideal for data collection and another for data extraction, it
may be possible and desirable to purchase analysis software separately from the scan
system.
If the primary goal is to derive linear measurements, for example, to conduct an
anthropometric study to develop or improve a sizing system, or to collect measure-
ments for a custom fit operation, the scan volume of the scanner can be limited.
The most important parameters may be cost (to acquire multiple systems), size of
the scanner, portability of the system, ease of setting up and taking down, and ease
and reliability of calibration. The appeal or level of excitement generated by the expe-
rience of being scanned may be a factor, as the scanning experience itself, and the
image generated on the screen are very different for different scanning systems.
For example, for a younger demographic, a system that has the scanee drive the scan-
ning process from an app on his/her own smartphone may be preferable. Depending on
the needs of the study and access to trained operators or ability to train them, it may be
desirable to acquire a system that will allow sensing of physical landmarks, which
generally requires either a system that can collect color information or a system like
the Human Solutions system for dimensional landmarks. One important factor in this
case is ease of labeling the landmarks in the scan and access to an automated or
semiautomated scan measuring system that allows selection and use of these points.
Some systems will wrap the color image around the 3-D figure; it is preferable to look
for a system that records color along with the 3-D points integrating the two datasets
more effectively.
If the purpose of scanning is to conduct research requiring more interaction with the
3-D figure or 3-D printing, a system from which it is possible to create a highly
detailed and watertight digital model may be preferable. Scan volume is an issue
in this case, to allow capture of active body positions for research or groupings of peo-
ple for 3-D printing (see Fig. 6.13).
For any scanning system, it is important to see an example of a raw scan and to
understand how data are merged and cleaned to make a judgment on whether the sys-
tem will provide the data desired for the particular end use. If linear measurements are
the primary goal, then valid and reliable measurements can generally be acquired with
fewer sensors, which can reduce both the footprint and the cost of the scanner. If more
detailed 3-D information is desired, a system that captures more data will be
preferable.
Another factor that is important with scanners is the technical support available for
all issues in working with the scanner, from calibration, to acquisition of scans, to sav-
ing and merging of data, to output formats, to analysis, to methods of interfacing with
other systems. The presence of a skilled and creative person with experience in com-
puter systems, 3-D data, and data analysis on the research team and the use of generic
software for viewing and manipulation of the scans can increase the range of possi-
bilities for use of scan data.