HKUST Information Technology Program Helps Produce Better Fitting Garments

Researchers from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) recently completed a large-scale research program focused on ways and means of introducing information technology to the garment industry.

The 3D Garment Program, initiated in 1996 under the leadership of Prof Matthew Yuen of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was supported by a HK$ 11.6 million grant from the Government's Innovation and Technology Fund.

"The objectives of the research were to enhance the competitiveness of the local garment industry through the introduction of information technology which would improve its ability to produce higher quality and better fitting garments," said program director and HKUST's Director of Technology Transfer Center, Prof Matthew Yuen.

According to Mr Terry Cheng, a member of the research team and a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the research team concentrated on human modeling and simulation. "CAD techniques were used to perform a three-dimensional (3D) garment-design operation while vision techniques were used to extract measurement data for constructing the mannequin," said Mr Cheng. "Compared with the traditional 2-dimensional pattern design in the garment industry, our study helps to provide more detailed and precise information. As a result, manufacturers will be able to produce higher quality products with lower production costs," he added. The study report was submitted to the Industry Department last month (April, 2000).

Encouraged by the results of their study, some of the research team members recently formed a company to provide research services in 3D garment technology.

Garment manufacturers and members of the public who are interested in the program are welcome to visit HKUST's 3D Garment Design website (http://www.cadcam.ust.hk/research/garment.html).

For media enquiries, please contact the program director Prof Matthew Yuen on 2358-7914 or Mr King Cheng of the Office of University Development and Public Affairs on 2358-6305 or email pamedia@ust.hk.