Shape investigation of the human lower body using segmentation principles

This study aims to investigate shape variation at different points of the leg and form a methodology for quantitative characterizing leg shape. 2D leg shapes at 18 points were extracted using the Size Stream Studio software from a body scan. The extracted shapes are the data points of the leg at a height point in space in DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) format. After processing, the shape was centralized with its XY center (0,0) based on its extremes. It was further divided into 36 segments with an increasing angle of 10°, and the circumference of each segment and radius line length were calculated. The variation of the radius length and circumference in each segment was compared between different shapes. The new methodology makes it more accessible as the circular shape leg data was plotted in the linear pattern in the sinusoidal curve, allowing easy identification and comparison of the variation with its location. It will help the patterns to have improved fit and functional garments like compression garment construction with detailed information of shape to accommodate the pressure variation challenges across all points of legs, unlike the radius of curvature to use at only four axis intersecting points in previous studies, it allows making the necessary changes at the knitting stage to have uniform pressure.