The detection of the upper boundary of breasts using 4D scanning technology

Anthropometric measurements such as breast volume are directly associated with the product development for bras. However, a non-contact method that accurately detects the upper boundary of breasts has not been reported. By taking advantage of the time delay in the vertical displacement between the breasts and the chest wall during physical activity, we 4D-scanned 26 female participants using Temporal 3dMD system and proposed a method to visualise the amount of variability for this relative displacement, so as to reveal the upper boundary of breasts on static 3D body scans. This is also one of the first studies that investigate the vertical displacement and the shape deformation of breasts during running using 4D scanning technology. Ultimately, the method and results can increase the understanding of breast kinematics, and benefit the product design of bras, especially for sports bras, and other products for women that require a close fit to the torso.