System and method for texture mapping 3-D computer modeled prototype garments

A system for texture mapping on a virtual prototype model in a system for computer-aided design and automation of mass customization, said system for texture mapping comprising:

• a fabric having a grid;
• a picture database comprising at least one photograph of the fabric draped on a body;
• and
• a picture converter that converts the image of the grid in the photograph stored in the picture database into control line information that defines the flow of the fabric on the body;
• wherein the control line information is stored in a 3-D library comprising loose fitting information that defines a degree to which a garment fits loosely on a body and close fitting information that defines a degree to which garments fit loosely on a body;
• and
• wherein the control line information is used to perform texture mapping to create a loose fitting style virtual prototype model and a close fitting style virtual prototype model.

A method for texture mapping on a virtual prototype model in a system for computer-aided design and automation of mass customization, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) draping a fabric having a grid on a body;
• (b) photographing at least one view of the fabric on the body;
• (c) storing the photograph in a picture database;
• (d) generating control line information from the grid that describes the flow of the fabric on the body;
• (e) storing the control line information in a 3-D library;
• and
• (f) texture mapping the virtual prototype model using the control line information.