3D MEASURE UP

FAQ

Explore answers to common queries about 3D Measure Up! Learn about our technology, compatibility, data security, support, and more. Simplify your understanding and make informed decisions with our comprehensive FAQ section. If you have more questions, just ask – we’re here to help!

General

Q. What Is ProtoTech's 3D Measure Up?

ProtoTech’s 3D Measure Up is a measurement technology solution that detects 250+ landmarks and features of a human body (e.g. ankle, knee, tip of nose, shoulder point, etc.) and provides accurate measurements. It is available as a web application for end users and it can be also integrated into your own application using the API.

Q. How Does 3D Measure Up Work?

3D Measure Up is automatic. It takes a 3D body scan in various formats (OBJ, STL,PLY,GLB etc) as input and automatically detects the body landmarks and extracts measurements. The output is presented as annotations on the 3D avatar and is also available in various forms viz..csv, .xls, .pdf .html (3D). 3D Measure Up uses a combination of geometry, computational, and machine learning (ML) algorithms and hence it’s fast and accurate.

Q. What Are The Most Common Use Cases For 3D Measure Up?

3D Measure Up helps you get contactless measurements automatically and accurately. It is very fast, accurate and flexible solution and thus can be applied in various ways. The most common use-cases for 3D Measure Up are:

Size-fit recommendation: Reduce your return rates by 50+% by quickly and easily deploying 3D Measure Up.
Custom Orthotics and Prosthetics: Doctors can design custom orthotics, prosthetics for their patients thereby providing a perfect fitting brace.
Made to Measure (MTM) Apparels: Custom fitted apparels for comfort, fashion, sports and medical industries
Effectiveness of Fitness Programs: Health, fitness and wellness companies to track their clients’ body shape and effectiveness of fitness programs
Ergonomic Analysis: Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, Furniture, Design engineers for ergonomic analysis
Contactless Trials: Innerwear, Intimatewear, Lingerie companies improve customer satisfaction by providing best fit products without needing to actually trial
Medical Application: Doctors can design compression socks, insoles, etc. for their patients
Digital Twins and Gaming Avatars: Real-life look-a-like avatars for digital media and gaming
OEM Measurement Software for Scanners: 3D scanner, LIDAR scanner companies can provide white-labeled software with their hardware

Q. How Do I Get Started With 3D Measure Up?

It’s easy. Just sign up for a free trial (no credit card required!). Once you are signed in, you can use our sample 3D models to try out yourself or upload your 3D models and perform the measurements. Our UI is very easy and intuitive.For further details refer to resources , measurement guide, API documentation.

Q. What is the size of the 3D scan model 3D Measure Up supports?

We support 3D Scan size up to 20MB. It is our observation that files larger than 20MB do not have a significant impact on the precision of the measurement. On the contrary, larger files take longer to upload and process.

Q. How accurate are the measurements?

For landmark identification, 3D Measure Up uses a proprietary algorithm which is a combination of geometrical, computational, and Machine Learning methods. Because of this, we have achieved a high degree of accuracy. For measurements, in most of the cases, we use purely geometry methods and hence the precision is very high, way higher than required by most of the applications that it is used for.

Q. Does 3D Measure Up scan very low resolution (small file size) models?

Why not? There is no such condition. You are free to provide very low resolution scans as long as it contains enough details to visibly identify the landmarks (by a human being) and the precision of the measurement obtained is acceptable to you.

Q. What are the factors that will impact the quality of the measurements?

For the best landmark identification and measurements, we recommend following guidelines for input 3D scans:

The scan model should be a single mesh. Multiple meshes (typically found in rigged models) currently are not supported.
The pose ideally should be an upright ‘A’ pose. While we support other postures viz. stooped, relaxed, ‘T’ poses, but we may not be able to extract all the landmarks or it may impact the accuracy.
The model should be aligned, ideally with feet flat on the ground, height along +Y axis and face along +Z axis. If you know the model is not aligned, please use the automatic alignment feature before you request for measurements.
The model should be in STL, OBJ, PLY, GLB file format.
The model file size should be less than 50 MB. We recommend between 10MB to 20MB for generally accepted precision.
The model should be either a full body scan or supported partial body scans only.
The model should be a scan of a single person. Multiple objects or persons in scan will not yield proper results.
For better accuracy of measurements:
1. The mesh should be water tight. There shouldn’t be any holes or gaps or missing faces.
2. The mesh should be clean. There shouldn’t be any stray triangles or self-intersecting surfaces.
3. The mesh should be made of triangles and not quadrilaterals/polygons.

Features

Q. What landmarks and measurements 3D Measure Up provides?

3D Measure Up provides 200+ landmarks and measurements. These can be used by many applications including (but not limited to) apparel, orthotics & prosthetics, wellness & fitness, workwear and uniforms etc. We support landmarks defined by various international standards viz. ISO-8559-1, Bufar, etc. For a detailed list of of the landmarks and measurements along with their definitions and pictures, please refer to the link.

Q. I need to support my own custom landmarks for measurements. Can I do that?

Yes, adding custom or proprietary landmarks and measurements is supported. For more details, please contact us.

Q. How can I make sure I get the best and most accurate measurements from my 3D scans?

For the best landmark identification and measurements, we recommend following guidelines for input 3D scans:

The scan model should be a single mesh. Multiple meshes (typically found in rigged models) currently are not supported.
The pose ideally should be an upright ‘A’ pose. While we support other postures viz. stooped, relaxed, ‘T’ poses, but we may not be able to extract all the landmarks or it may impact the accuracy.
The model should be aligned, ideally with feet flat on the ground, height along +Y axis and face along +Z axis. If you know the model is not aligned, please use the automatic alignment feature before you request for measurements.
The model should be in STL, OBJ, PLY, GLB file format.
The model file size should be less than 50 MB. We recommend between 10MB to 20MB for generally accepted precision.
The model should be either a full body scan or supported partial body scans only.
The model should be a scan of a single person. Multiple objects or persons in scan will not yield proper results.
For better accuracy of measurements:
1. The mesh should be water tight. There shouldn’t be any holes or gaps or missing faces.
2. The mesh should be clean. There shouldn’t be any stray triangles or self-intersecting surfaces.
3. The mesh should be made of triangles and not quadrilaterals/polygons.

Q. How should the model be aligned for generating measurement?

The model should be aligned, ideally with feet flat on the ground, height along +Y axis and face along +Z axis. If you know the model is not aligned, please use the automatic alignment feature before you request for measurements.

Q. What is the accuracy rate and sample size required by 3D Measure Up software?

Visit here for more details.

Q. What is the average time taken by 3D Measure Up to return all the default measurements ?

It takes 20-40 seconds to return all the default measurements on a model of size approx 5-10 MB. Having said that, factors like size of model and complexity of measurements impact directly on time taken for the computation.

By experiment we have observed that models in the range 5-10 MB are enough for good accuracy of the measurements. Models of higher density (and hence size) do not contribute much to the accuracy of the measurements and may increase the time taken for computation.

Pricing and Payments

Q. How much does ProtoTech 3D Measure Up cost?

Please see 3D Measure Up Pricing Page for current pricing information. For API pricing please contact us for more details.

Q. What are the payment options?

Our payment gateways support all kinds of payment options: credit cards (Visa, Master, Amex, etc.), debit cards, etc. We also support Paypal. Please contact us if you need any help in this regard.

Q. Can I try 3D Measure Up? If yes, how? How much does it cost to try?

We have a free trial version available for you to test out before you decide to purchase. You can sign up for the trial version. The trial version has most of the features of the paid version. What’s even better, no credit card or commitment is required to sign up for the trial.

Signing up for 3D Measure Up is easy. On the home page, click on the Login/Sign Up button. You will be redirected to the login page. Login using your email address. Provide your company name, email address, and contact number, choose a password of your liking, and you’re good to go. On signing up, you get a fully-featured 14-day free trial of the product before you choose to subscribe to 3D Measure Up paid plans.

Q. If I measure the same scan number of times, is it counted as a one or each is a separate count?

3D Measure Up respects the privacy and hence does not store any of the customers’ data. We only use your 3D scan for computing measurements and the model is not archived or stored and deleted after processing. The computations are done again each time you upload a scan – even if it is a scan which was previously measured. And hence Eevery measurement request is unique and billed separately.

Q. Do you offer credits for researchers and students?

We offer researchers and students credits based on the project and its contribution to the industry. Contact us to know more.

The API access is part of the Enterprise Plan. Contact us for subscribing to this plan.

The OEM App is part of the Enterprise Plan. Contact us for subscribing to this plan.

Q. Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time you feel. Contact us to stop the subscription by sending a mail 3dmeasureup@prototechsolutions.com. The subscription period will be before the start of the next billing month.

Q. Do you store my credit card information?

No, we don’t ask for, or store your credit card information during sign up. However, we do ask for credit card information when you subscribe to 3D Measure Up after completing your free trial. Take a look at our Privacy Policy to learn more.

We have a free trial version available for you to test out before you decide to purchase. You can sign up for the trial version. The trial version has most of the features of the paid version.

Q. What is the minimum subscription period?

For the web application the minimum subscription period is one month. For products wherein API/SDK integrations are done the minimum period post the free trial is one year (non-cancellable) payable on a monthly/yearly basis.
You’ve options to select a SaaS license for 2/3 years for lower license fees. You’re always free to upgrade your plan to a higher plan version anytime you wish.

Q. I use the free plan. Can I get product support?

Yes, basic support is available for all plans. The free plan comes with email support. Send your queries to 3dmu.support@prototechsolutions.com any time. We are available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm Indian Standard Time.

Q. How does 3D Measure Up assist bespoke tailoring services?

3D Measure Up retrieves take 30+ upper body measurements and 40+ lower body measurements to create your custom fit.

Q. Can I get a measurement for cloth which involves partial measurement on the body surface and partially hanging down freely?

Yes, 3D Measure Up API provides an option to get a distance using a free-fall method.

Q. Can I use 3D Measure Up to get measurements for free flowing clothes like gowns and women dresses?

Yes, 3D Measure Up API provides an option to get a distance using a free-fall method.

Q. Have more questions?

Reach out to us anytime by sending your queries to 3dmu.support@prototechsolutions.com

Platform and API

Q. 3D Measure Up runs on which platform? Will it work in a desktop web browser and also mobile browser?

3D Measure Up Web App runs on any browser. It can be used on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. It does not require any installation.3D Measure Up API is available as REST API and can be integrated with any application. Language bindings (C#, Python, etc.) are also available upon request.

Q. Does 3D Measure Up require more than a standard camera?

3D Measure Up takes a 3D body scan in various formats (OBJ, STL, PLY, GLB etc) as input and automatically detects the body landmarks and measures. The scan is generated using a 3D scanner (handheld or booth), LIDAR scanner or phone-based scanning application.

Q. What APIs does 3D Measure Up offer?

A single API can be used for fully automated landmark detection and measurements. Apart from that, many other APIs are available for atomic functions viz. model alignment, specific distance measurement, etc. For details, please refer to the 3D Measure Up API Reference.

Q. How does the API work?

It’s simple. You upload a 3D scan to any HTTP server or cloud storage Google Drive or Dropbox file URL. The URL of the scan is passed as a parameter to the API. 3D Measure API retrieves the scan from the URL for generating measurements. The landmark details and measurements are output as a JSON stream for you to easily use in the way you wish.

Q. We sell 3D scanners. Can we bundle 3D Measure Up with our scanners?

Of course, you can. And very easily too. You have multiple options.

You can bundle a subscription of 3D Measure Up along with your scanner. For volume discount, please contact us
You can create your own branded application using the 3D Measure Up OEM version with your own logo and customized features.
You can create your own application and call 3D Measure Up API for measurements.

Q. Tell me more about the 3D Measure Up WebApp OEM version?

3D Measure Up WebApp is available as white labeled app. You can put your own logo and ship it. Further, you can also customize – give it your own color theme, add/remove features, change the look and feel easily. The architecture is very simple and extensible. A web developer can do this in a matter of a couple of days. You can find the documentation here. For pricing, please contact us.

Technical

Q. I am using your API which returns me the landmarks and measurements. However, I would also like to show the girth profiles (geometry) of the measurements that I receive from 3D Measure Up and display it in my application. Along with landmarks and measurements, is it possible to get the list of 3D points on the model where the measure is taken? This way, I can easily show the "path of the measure".

We are happy to say this is possible in 3D Measure Up. Following are different options that you have to achieve thisa. 3D HTML: The 3D Measure Up Web API has an option to return a full 3D view of the avatar with annotated measurements. This is returned as a normal HTML (.html) file which can be viewed in any browser or embedded in any web page and does not require internet connection. All the 3D data is included in the HTML file itself which you have full control over. This blog illustrated the feature: https://3dmeasureup.ai/blog/take-measurements-and-share-them-not-just-the-spreadsheet-but-in-full-3d/

b. Your own 3D Viewer: The 3D Measure Up Web API has an option to return point collections of the girths/circumferences in the response, along with the measurements. The point collections are in the coordinate system of the original scan making it easy to the client with a 3D Viewer to display the measurements on the original avatarc. 3D Measure Up OEM Widget: The OEM widget is the 3D Measure Up Web application that can be embedded in any web application. This widget comes with all the features that you see in our web application including display of measurement paths and its selection.

Q. With 3DMeasureUp will I be able to calculate different body measures and the curve of the spine?

With our API, we also return the points of the profile that we measure. We believe one should be able to use these points to make calculations. We advise you to use the trial account to try out and ensure that your objective can be accomplished.

Q. Can the input be a model with clothes on?

Yes, the model can be with the clothes on. Please note that the measurements will be of the outermost surface of the model. If the clothing is body-hugging, you will get measurements that are more accurate than your actual body measurements.

Confidentiality and Privacy Related

Q. I am concerned by the privacy and confidentiality of my 3D scans. How do you take care of that? Also are we able to keep user information in a local database as per security and privacy requirements?

At 3D Measure Up, we consider ‘privacy and confidentiality’ of your 3D scan as our utmost priority. This is how we take care of it 1. Fully automated pipeline: This means no person ever sees or accesses your 3D data 2. Processing only: We only use your 3D scan for computing measurements. The model is not archived or stored and deleted after processing 3. Machine Learning: We have our own dataset to train the ML algorithms and do not use your 3D scans at all. If you have any further queries or concerns regarding privacy, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help. 4. Proven, Known and Secured Infrastructure: We use AWS infrastructure which offers the state of the art security.

Q. What 3D scan formats does ProtoTech 3D Measure Up support?

ProtoTech’s 3D Measure Up currently supports scan in the following formats * OBJ * STL * PLY * GLB If you would like us to support a different format, you can contact us.

Q. Is there a desktop version of 3D Measure Up?

We do have an on-premise version for our enterprise customers. For details, please Contact Us.

Q. Is it possible to self-host the cloud version?

Yes, a self-hosted, on-premise option is available for the enterprise customers. Please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Misc

Q. What is deep learning?

Deep learning is a sub-field of Machine Learning and a significant branch of Artificial Intelligence. It aims to infer high-level abstractions from raw data by using a deep graph with multiple processing layers composed of multiple linear and non-linear transformations. Deep learning is loosely based on models of information processing and communication in the brain. Deep learning replaces handcrafted features with ones learned from very large amounts of annotated data. Learning occurs by iteratively estimating hundreds of thousands of parameters in the deep graph with efficient algorithms.

Several deep learning architectures such as convolutional deep neural networks (CNNs), and recurrent neural networks have been applied to computer vision, speech recognition, natural language processing, and audio recognition to produce state-of-the-art results on various tasks.

ProtoTech is one of the pioneering companies to apply deep learning principles to 3D data. 3D Measure Up service uses deep learning in very intuitive ways to process the input body data and derive meaningful information viz. Landmarks, measurements etc.

Q. Do I need any deep learning expertise to use 3D Measure Up?

No. With 3D Measure Up, you don’t have to build, maintain or upgrade deep learning pipelines.

To achieve accurate results on complex 3D scans such as feature detection, mesh processing, point cloud manipulations, geometry computations, deep learning systems need to be tuned properly. 3D Measure Up is fully managed and comes pre-trained for 3D body scan recognition and measurement tasks so that you don’t have to invest your time and resources on creating a deep learning pipeline. 3D Measure Up continues to improve the accuracy of its models by building upon the latest research and sourcing new training data. Please note that we do not use your data for training our algorithms.

Q. How to reduce the number of polygons of your 3D file with Meshlab?

There are a number of ways this can be done. Following is one of the ways:
1. Download and install Meshlab
2. Import 3D body scan file. => The number of polygons it contains is shown at the bottom of the screen.
3. Go to “Filters” > “Remeshing, simplification and construction” > “Quadratic Edge Collapse Detection”=>A Dialog pops up with options to adjust the mesh.

The options are : A. Target number of faces: Here type the number of polygons you wish your file to have. This procedure is called reduction of polygons also known as mesh decimation.
B. Quality threshold: You can select a number between 0 and 1. The recommended entry is 1 as it gives satisfying results. This parameter affects the original model’s shape (ex. bad shaped faces etc. ). So in order for the software to calculate the original shape of the model with only well shaped faces, it requires to enter a high number of faces as it allows more freedom in the final triangle shape.
C. Preserve Boundary of the Mesh: Here you should click on this option, as it has to do with preserving the mesh boundaries. Since your file is going under a simplification process, it is essential not to destroy boundaries of the mesh, such as exposed edges etc..
D. Preserve Normal: Here you should also select this option if it is not already on by default. With this action you prevent the software to flip face normals and preserves the orientation of the surface. Optimal position of simplified vertices: This option should also be on by default. It is essential for preventing the edges from collapsing and substituting the original mesh. Planar simplification: This option should be activated when there are flat surfaces on the model that you want to be tessellated. This parameter affects the quality of the shape of the final triangles on planar portions of the mesh and improves the accuracy/complexity ratio.

Q. Guidelines for input 3D scans to ensure the best landmark identification and measurements

The scan model should be a single mesh in STL, OBJ, PLY or GLB file format and less than 50MB in size (we recommend between 10MB to 20MB for generally accepted precision).
The model should be either a full-body scan or supported partial-body scans only, and a scan of a single person. Multiple objects or persons in a scan will not yield proper results.
The model should be aligned with feet flat on the ground, height along the +Y axis, and face along the +Z axis for better accuracy of measurements. If the model is not aligned, please use the automatic alignment feature before requesting measurements.
The mesh should be watertight with no holes, gaps, or missing faces, clean without any stray triangles or self-intersecting surfaces, and made of triangles and not quadrilaterals/polygons.
We recommend an upright ‘A’ pose for the model’s pose. Other postures are supported, but we may not be able to extract all the landmarks or it may impact the accuracy.

To acquire a 3D scan of the person/user, you can use a LIDAR-based scanning app or apps using libraries like Meshcapade. Once you have the scan, you can upload it to any HTTP server or cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox file URL. The URL of the scan is passed as a parameter to our API, which retrieves the scan for generating measurements. The landmark details and measurements are output as a JSON stream for you to use in the way you wish. Refer to 3D Measure Up API

Q. How to monitor your tokens?

3D Measure Up provides a dashboard for monitoring token usage and subscription status, allowing better planning and utilization. By logging in via desktop browser, users can view token usage in the top right corner of the application and click for more details, including available tokens and active subscriptions. You can find detailed, easy-to-follow instructions on Our Blog.

FAQ