Previous imaging systems have been hampered by problems with dimensional accuracy due to the numerous hidden regions at the camera's dead angles and blurring of body contour lines due to shifting of the subjects (body movement) occurring with longer scan times (conventionally 10 to 30 seconds). In the newly-developed systems, the use of multiple measurement cameras enables processing of high-accuracy, high-density data with decreased scan times, while a major reduction in occluded areas is successfully achieved by means of the proper arrangement of multiple cameras. With actual san times of 0.93 seconds for head and 1.8 seconds for the whole body, the systems provide complete coverage of the measured subject with a practical degree of accuracy, resulting in the fastest system of its kind in the world. The problem of subject movements is overcome by reducing the scan times. Proper arrangement of cameras provides measurements featuring unprecedented accuracy and data-density. Actual values include 0.5-mm accuracy at a resolution of 1.0 mm for the head and 1.0-mm accuracy at a resolution of 2.0 mm for the whole body form.

A 3D anthropometry survey for 200 senior subjects is currently underway using these new facilities by DHLab and HQL. When the basic editing process is completed, the data will be available for general use through HQL. Harmonization of the measurement methods with ISO, JIS, or other existing 3D anthropometry database has been taken into consideration.

The collected data is expected to be utilized in designing a variety of products. While DHLab previously had been supplying individual anthropometric data obtained for other projects, in the approximately two years since such distribution began, the lab has received over 1,100 requests for data. In many cases, requesters want to use 3D human body shape data, and the data is expected to be used in a wide range of applications, including architecture, clothing, welfare and therapeutic facilities, and automobiles.

One particular note worthy point regarding the 3D anthropometric data collected in the ongoing project is that numerous anatomical landmarks are measured simultaneously with the form data, thus providing sufficient data for the "digital human body shape modeling based on anatomical landmarks" being advanced by DHLab. Application of this digital modeling technology enables statistical processing of 3D forms (multi-dimensional distribution, the average form, standard deviation forms), allowing an efficient reclassification of sizes so as to provide facilitate better-fitting sizes products and facilities in line with the distribution of body shapes among the Japanese