Inside Iowa State

Aug. 29, 2008

3-D scanner offers researchers collaborative opportunities

by Laura Dillavou, College of Human Sciences

It may look like an oversized black box from the outside, but inside, the technology of the new 3-D body scanner surpasses anything else in the field of textiles and clothing design today -- and it's here at Iowa State.

Young-A Lee, a new assistant professor in apparel, educational studies and hospitality management, was provided with a [TC]2 3-D body scanner to support her research and teaching efforts. Already, Lee has numerous ideas for using the scanner for her own research in technical clothing design and development. She also sees opportunities for collaboration with researchers in other campus departments, including computer science, engineering and kinesiology.

"When I was considering where I wanted to do my research and build my early career, I was looking for a place where I could work with other departments as a team," Lee said. "There are many programs at Iowa State that made it an easy decision to come here."

The 3-D body scanner is a 4-by-5 foot dressing room-like box with a white light that scans the body in six seconds to produce a true-to-scale 3-D body model within minutes. The data then can be downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Lee often combines an advanced data simulation and computer-aided design (CAD) with the data analysis to produce new design products.

Many applications are possible

While the 3-D body scanner is used in numerous applications related to technology, clothing and design, it also can be used for medical assessments and to track health and fitness changes in individuals. Lee is hoping to work with faculty from the kinesiology department in these areas.

"We've found that the 3-D scanner can also be used for weight loss programs," Lee said. "As a person loses weight, one can scan the body and see how his or her body shape is changing. This information can be applied to better health assessments or even new clothing designs for his or her changed body."

Lee said she hopes many faculty members will become familiar with various applications of 3-D body scanning technology through collaborative research. While the scanning itself requires basic training, analyzing the data and working with the computer programs requires some time for proficiency. As Lee settles into her role at Iowa State, she also hopes to incorporate the body scanner into her undergraduate and graduate classes.

For more information on the body scanner or Lee's research, contact her at 4-7826 or ylee@iastate.edu.

"When I was considering where I wanted to do my research and build my early career, I was looking for a place where I could work with other departments as a team. There are many programs at Iowa State that made it an easy decision to come here."

Young-A Lee