A new approach to 3D pattern-making for the apparel industry: Graphic coding-based localization

Pattern making is one of the most vital parts of product development in the apparel or other textile industry. However, the traditional 2D pattern-making method is tedious, abstract, and time-consuming. Although several 2D techniques are available in the current research for automatic pattern generation, most of them have been limited to fixed styles. To solve the problem in pattern making, here a new 3D pattern making approach based on graphic coding is proposed. The textile with coded graphics as a flexible coordinate is used to establish the mapping relationship between 2D patterns and 3D garments, which allows a draped 3D shape to a 2D plane. The images with micro encoding graphics of key points are acquired to obtain 2D localization information from the fabric in 3D form. Based on image processing and encoding/decoding, the pattern can be generated according to the coordinate value of key points. The approach realizes the intuitive, accurate and rapid garment pattern generation, which offers possibilities for fashion designers or other users with little expertise in 2D pattern drafting to make patterns in any constructions. Also, as it can be effective in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of MTM (Made-to-Measure). In addition to the apparel industry, the method also shows great application potential in shoes, home textiles, flexible digital tablets, and other related areas.