Anthropometrics and Space Suit Customization
3D Body Scanning Applications in Space Suit Sizing

Xiaomin Bao 11068748 Word Count: 1098 MSc International Fashion Marketing 2012/2013 Fashion Technology

Contents

1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................2 2. Sizing and Fit ........................................................................................................3 2.1. Background ........................................................................................................3 2.2. Sizing System Analysis ......................................................................................4 3. 3D Scanning System ............................................................................................6 3.1. Shadow Scanning Systems ...............................................................................6 3.2. White Light Scanning Systems ..........................................................................7 3.3. Laser Scanning Systems ...................................................................................8 3.4. Past and New Systems ......................................................................................9 3.5. Selection and Application .................................................................................10 4. Future Development ...........................................................................................11 5. Conclusions & Recommendations ......................................................................12 6. References ..........................................................................................................13 7. Figures ................................................................................................................16 8. Appendix .............................................................................................................18

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1. Introduction
Kenneway (1973) claims the space suit was invented to offer functional and protection for the astronaut to be able to operates multi-missions in the varied extreme environment. Producing a space suit, which is made of 11 high-tech layers, is time-consuming and costly, requires three months to manufacture including complement personnel and various skills, and cost millions dollars (NASA, 1994 and Kenneway, 1973). Therefore, any mistake in the sizing and design will waste time and cost a fortune. This assignment is an analysis of the sizing system for space suit development, and the impact of advanced technology for anthropometric and the application in future development.

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2. Sizing and Fit

2.1.

Background

Figure 1: Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Moonwalk

In the beginning, Apollo space suits were tailor-made (Figure 1). Three suits for each astronaut in a main three-men crew, and two suits for each astronaut in the back-up three-men crew. All told there were 25 astronauts in the astronauts corps (NASA, 1994). Benson and Rjulu (2009) indicate the poor fit of the space suit can decrease mobility and cause discomfort and injury; furthermore, the increasing number of astronauts and limited range of available sizes brought more difficulties in the sizing and fit of the space suit. To alleviate the problem, Vykukal (1986) invented torso sizing ring construction to provide the possibility of space suit customization, which allowed a small range size to fit hundreds of astronauts (Figure 2).

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Figure 2: Torso sizing ring construction for hard space suit (Vykukal, 1986)

The concept divided the space suit into several components and a range size for each component, which could be adjusted based on the individual astronaut’s size, shape and proportion. However, Vykukal’s (1986) solution was unable to provide the perfect fit and mobility, which could be improved using anthropometry methods (Abramov et al., 2001). Anthropometry is the science of measuring, and recording all dimensions and shape aspects of the human body, required for solutions research of garment fitting, comfort and durability (Ghosh, 2002 and Roebuck, 1995). According to research, anthropometry and space suit sizing had huge impact one each other’s development; anthropometry is still improving the sizing and design of space suit; in addition, new methods of anthropometry have emerged from the research of space suit sizing the (Churchill, et al., 1978a, b and c).

2.2.

Sizing System Analysis

Figure 3 is the basis of Ghosh et al. (2002) and Roebuck’s (1995) anthropometrics methods, an analysis of a simplified process chat for space suit sizing procedures. 4

Stag e1

Targets Analysis • Age • Race • Component Definition of Measurements Complete explanation to define: • Position of the Subject • The Side of the Body • Heights, Breadths, Depths, Circumferences, and Arcs Full description of 898 dimensions in Appendix 1. Gender • • • • Measurement Required Methods The whole body size, shape and • Traditional measurement angels recorded. • Focus on 3D Body Scanning, Before and after training compared and supported by traditional measurement Changes in weightlessness Changes in mission operations movement Analysis Statistics Measurement Data Result Simple statistical conversions Subtracting dimension distributions Calculate standard deviations • Scaling a size medium (Regarding the available size range M, L and Estimating coefficients of XL; The size medium will be L) correlation • Divide the targets into size groups Regressions of one dimension on another Defining and summarizing mobility Testing Design Fitting Testing in different possible positions, Ergonomic operation needs movement and a Allowing Movement weightlessness environment: • Simulate in a 3D avatar • Live Model
Figure 3: Sizing Procedures for Space Suit

•

Stage 4

Stage 3

Stage 2

• • • • • •

Stage 5

• •

This system was created to develop the range of each component and the torso ring in order to enhance mobility. Mobility affects the body movement and anthropometry changes in a weightlessness environment. The traditional measurement methods are unequipped to complete the operations in a short amount of time. Therefore, to

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search and select a suitable advanced technology for body measurement is the key element in the sizing procedures.

3. 3D Scanning System
Three-dimensional body scanners use optical techniques to obtain the human body shape and measurement without physical contact. Generally, body-scanning systems collect data according to camera information from the reflection of light sources. The data is then transferred onto a computer using software to process the information and work out the final result, which is a three-dimensional image (Hwang and Istook, 2001; Istook and Simmons, 2003).

3.1.

Shadow Scanning Systems

Figure 4: The Example of Loughborough Scanning System

Hwang and Istook (2001) state that the first 3D body scanning used shadowscanning methods (Figure 4). Bouguet and Perona (1999) created a mathematical equation, which can structure the shadow record into a three-dimensional image and calculate the object’s measurement. Shadow scanning begins with camera calibration that cover the whole body and uses a pencil of known height and mathematics to calculate the vertical plane localization, light source calibration, spatial and temporal shadow edge localization, and shadow plane estimation then the light source is moved and the moving shadow scanned. After the data is

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collected, triangulation is used to calculate the measurement, and the scans merged into a three-dimensional format (Bouguet and Perona, 1999).

3.2.

White Light Scanning Systems

Based on the shadow scanner, the white light scanner developed through optics, camera, and triangulation. Apuzzo (2009) pointed out that the white light scanning systems use structured light (‘usually in form of stripes’), as shown in Figure 5; a better white light scanning system will use a greater number of cameras and light resources. The calculation of measurement and merging scans into threedimensional is similar to shadow-scanning systems that use triangulation. Cignoni et al. (2001) believe the white light scanning system can deliver excellent results at a low cost.

Figure 5: 3D Scanning Using Structured Lighting

Textile clothing technology corporation (TC²) produce 3D body scanners (Figure 6) that use a phase measuring profilometry (PMP). Hwang and Istook (2001) proved that the PMP provides quicker and more accurate data than the other methods of body scanning.

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Figure 06: [TC]² White Light Body Scanning Systems

3.3.

Laser Scanning Systems

Figure 7: Laser Scanning Systems and The Sample of Result

Laser scanning systems, similar to white light scanning systems, use single or multiple stripes; an eye-safe laser light scans the entire object. Once the image is obtained through reflection by CCD camera, it is transferred to a computer (Chen et al., 2002). Potel (1996) indicated that the Cyberware laser scanning systems could record the colour information of an object surface that the previous scanning systems could not accomplish (Figure 7), and that this feature provides more satisfactory applications.

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3.4.

Past and New Systems

Figure 8: Multi-image Photogrammetry Scanning System: Merging 2D Imagines into 3D imagine

According

to

Apuzzo

(2009),

the

passive

systems

include:

multi-image

photogrammetry system, which merges multiple imagines from different camera angles (Figure 8); the visual hull system merges images from both multiple cameras and a variety of directions surrounding the object; finally, silhouette analysis systems is a simpler version of multi-image photogrammetry and the visual hull system, which requires only a few images.

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Figure 9: Full X-Ray Scanner and the Application

The development of technology enhances new 3D scanning systems that can scan a whole body while fully clothed. These technologies utilise different electron waves, X-Rays (Figure 9) or special CMOS sensors that go through fabric and reflect off the body surface (Apuzzo, 2009).

3.5.

Selection and Application

Figure 10 presents suitable options for different measurement environments and positions. Before/ After Training 4

Systems/ Testing Shadow Scanning White Light Scanning Laser Scanning The visual hull X-Ray

Motion 4

Weightlessness 4

Regular 4

4

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Figure 10: 3D Scanning Systems Selection Reference

The 3D scanning measurement utilises a full view of the body shape and accurate dimensions. Body movement involves three-dimension shifts. The 3D measurements are more accurate when comparing the movement change, enabling adjustments to be made to ensure the appropriate size. This method provides more comfort by increasing the minimum length to avoid loose fit. 10

4. Future Development

Figure 11: Building the Future Spacesuit

Canina et al. (2007) and Newman (2012) explored the innovation of BioSuit, a conceptual second-skin protector against high temperatures while allowing flexibility. Because the new suit requires perfect fit, 3D laser scanning systems are utilised (Canina et al., 2007). As a result, by experimenting with different 3D scanning systems, the fitting and mobility analysis and development of the suit will be greatly enhanced.

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5. Conclusions & Recommendations
Sizing and fit are required for the space suit to perform safety and operability (Benson, 2009). Anthropometrics plays an important role in the development of the spacesuit, and the key element of anthropometrics is the measuring and recording of size, shape and angles (Benson, 2009; Churchill et al., 1978a; Churchill et al., 1978b; Ghosh, 2002 and Roebuck, 1995). Anthropometrics is also involved in the future development of space suits, and data collected by 3D laser scanning systems (Canina et al., 2007). 3D scanning systems are used to measure and record subject dimensions in order to offer a complete review. If the measurement content requires quick-change movement, shadow scanning system and the visual hull system are recommended, because these systems require simple equipment and capture the subject faster. In addition, for regular and general measurement TC² white light scanning system is recommended, because it is more efficient and accurate compared to other systems (Hwang and Istook, 2001).

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6. References

Abduction, A. and Abduction, A. (1971) ‘Space Suit Protective Assembly’. Patent No. 3559209, Alexandria, VA.: United States Patent Office Abduction, A. and Abduction, A. (1971) ‘Space Suit Protective Assembly’. Patent No. 3559209, Alexandria, VA.: United States Patent Office Abramov, I. P., Pozdnyakov, S. S., Severin, G. I. and Stoklitsky, A. Y. (2001) ‘Main problems of the Russian Orlan-M spacesuit utilization for EVAs on the ISS.’ Acta Astronaut, 48(5-12) pp. 265–273. Benson, E. and Rjulu, S. (2009) ‘Complexity of Sizing for Space Suit Applications.’ Digital Human Modeling, 5620 pp. 599-607. Bouguet, J. and Perona, P. (1999) ‘3D Photography Using Shadows in Dual-Space Geometry.’ International Journal of Computer Vision, 35(2) pp. 129-149. Canina, M., Newman, D. J. and Trotti, G. L. (2007) ‘Revolutionary Design for Astronaut Exploration: Beyond the Bio-Suit System.’ AIP Conference Proceedings, 880(1) pp. 975-986. Chen, T., Huang, Y., Xu, B. and Yu, W. (2002) ‘Body Scanning and Modeling for Custom Fit Garments.’ Journal of textile and apparel, technology and management, 2(2) pp. 1-11. Churchill, E., Laubach, L. L., McConville, J. T. and Tebbetts, I. (1978a) Anthropometric Source Book, Volume I: Anthropometry for Designer. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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Churchill, E., Laubach, L. L., McConville, J. T. and Tebbetts, I. (1978b) Anthropometric Source Book, Volume II: A Handbook of Anthropometric Data. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Churchill, E., Laubach, L. L., McConville, J. T. and Tebbetts, I. (1978c) Anthropometric Source Book, Volume III: Annotated bibliography of Anthropometry. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Cignoni, P., Montani, C., Rocchini, C., Scopigno, C. and Pingi, P. (2001) ‘A low cost 3D scanner based on structured light.’ Computer Graphics Forum, 20(3) pp. 299308. Ghosh, T. K. and Le Pechoux, B. (2002) Apparel sizing and fit: a critical appreciation of recent developments in clothing sizes. Manchester: Textile Institute. Hwang, S. and Istook, C, L. (2001) ‘3D body scanning systems with application to the apparel industry.’ Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 5 (2) pp. 120132. Istook, C, L. and Simmons, K, P. (2003) ‘Body measurement techniques: Comparing 3D body-scanning and anthropometric methods for apparel applications.’ Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 7(3) pp. 306-332. Kenneway, A. J. (1973) ‘Space Suit.’ Patent No. 3751727, Alexandria, VA.: United States Patent Office NASA. (1984) Floating Free. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [Online image] [Accessed on 7th November 2012] http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/spacesuit_gallery/index_noaccess.html

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NASA. (1994) Space Suit Evolution: From Custom Tailored To Off-The-Rack. Washington, DC: National Aeronautics and Space Administration. [Online] [Accessed on 6th November 2012] Available from: http://history.nasa.gov/spacesuits.pdf Newman, D. (2012) ‘Building the Future Spacesuit.’ Ask magazine. [Online] [Accessed 6th November 2012] http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oce/appel/ask/issues/45/45s_building_future_spacesuit. html Potel, M. (1996) ‘3D Scanning in Apparel Design and Human Engineering.’ IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 16(5) pp. 11-15. Roebuck, J. A. (1995) Anthropometric methods: designing to fit the human body. Santa Monica: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Vykukal, H. C. (1986) ‘Torso sizing ring construction for hard space suit’. Patent No. 4593415, Alexandria, VA.: United States Patent Office.

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7. Figures
Figure 1: Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Moonwalk Sources from: http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/spacesuit_gallery/hi-resjpgs/8.jpg .3 Figure 2: Torso sizing ring construction for hard space suit (Vykukal, 1986) ..............4 Figure 3: Sizing Procedures for Space Suit, Created by Xiaomin Bao........................5 Figure 4: The Example of Loughborough Scanning System Sources from: http://mesh.brown.edu/byo3d/source.html ...........................................6 Figure 5: 3D Scanning Using Structured Lighting Sources from: http://mesh.brown.edu/byo3d/source.html ...........................................7 Figure 06: [TC]² White Light Body Scanning Systems Sources from: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/news/3d-bodyscanning-technology-applications ........................................................................8 Figure 7: Laser Scanning Systems and The Sample of Result Sources from: http://www.rob.cs.tu-bs.de/en/research/projects/3dscanner/ http://www.cyberfx.com/3d_laser_scanning.htm .........................................................8 Figure 8: Multi-image Photogrammetry Scanning System: Merging 2D Imagines into 3D imagine Sources from: http://adc.bmj.com/content/92/12/1120/F1.large.jpg ............................9 Figure 9: Full X-Ray Scanner and the Application Sources from: http://ellerochelle.blogspot.com/2010/10/body-scan.html ..................10 16

Figure 10: 3D Scanning Systems Selection Reference Srouces from: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/nov/25/body-scan-radiation-lesschest-x-ray/ .........................................................................................................10 Figure 11: Building the Future Spacesuit Sources from: http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/617050main_45s_building_future_spacesu it1_full.jpg ...........................................................................................................11

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8. Appendix

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