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BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Variations in the physical size and the personal taste of people has long
plagued the clothing industry. Most generally, the solution to the problem
has been to produce a range of sizes for garments which hopefully will
satisfy the personal tastes of many individuals. Although the clothing
industry has effectively accommodated to that practice, it has not been
without substantial difficulties both to the industry and the market.
First, many purchasers of standard-size garments are faced with the
alternative of tolerating some compromise in the fit of the garment or
alternatively bearing the cost of expensive alterations. Another common
compromise involves a multitide of fabric and style variations. That is,
purchasers frequently buy a garment simply because it is the closest thing
available to what is truly desired. As for the clothing industry,
anticipating and accommodating the style desires of the multitude of
purchasers not only requires considerable study but substantial waste. A
considerable volume of garments must be discounted for sale, because they
are not of a style or size to attract a buyer. These considerations
generally result in a relatively volatile industry and a substantially
compromising market.
In general, the present invention may be embodied to provide an interactive
graphics display which is used to facilitate the design and pattern for a
garment with the result that a person can effectively consider a garment
before it is actually fabricated. The system enables professionally
designed garments custom styled by the purchaser using a mirror image
display.
Structually, the system of the present invention incorporates an
interactive graphic display terminal from which an operator (normally the
intended wearer) provides physical data and a garment selection. A central
storage responds to the identification of a garment by providing display
data to the active terminal, which is related and scaled to the wearer's
physical data to provide a display of the specific garment on the subject
for whom it is being designed. The terminal equipment includes interactive
graphics apparatus for developing the garment with the aid of a current
image along with message instruction displays. A working storage actively
carries limitations imposed on the garment by the designer, options for
the garment, display data, and physical characteristics of the
propspective wearer.
When the operator has attained the garment in the desired form, definitive
data for such garment is transmitted to the central location unit for use
in cutting the pattern for the garment's production. Consequently, the
operator is able to work with data that reflects a clothing designer's
capability, the wearer's own physical measurements and personal tastes,
for specifying the desired garment prior to manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, an
exemplary embodiment demonstrating the various objectives and features
hereof is set forth as follows:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal portion of a system constructed
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with the
present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the remote location equipment of a system
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
and
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the processing unit in location equipment of a
system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the invention is
disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be constructed in accordance
with various forms, some of which may be rather different from the
disclosed illustrative embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in
that regard they are deemed to provide the best embodiment for purposes of
disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the
scope of the present invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, an individual terminal unit T is depicted
with an input panel P and an image display screen I. In general, the
operation of the system involves an operator or user working with the
controls of the panel P aided by the images on the display screen I to
attain the detailed specification of a garment which is then created in a
physical form as described below.
As depicted in FIG. 1, the terminal unit T is unitarily housed in a cabinet
10 for convenient viewing of the screen I and manipulation of controls on
the panel P. Considering the structure, an appreciation of the function
performed may now best be accomplished by pursuing a description of the
manner in which the system is employed to specify a desired garment.
Accordingly, assume that the person operating or using the system (by
operating the terminal of FIG. 1) is the intended wearer of the garment to
be specified, and possesses a magnetic-stripe card carrying physical
information both with respect to graphic display data and garment
measurements. Recognizing that a variety of possibilities may be employed,
it has been determined that a plastic card bearing a magnetic strip as
well known in the art may be coded to effectively carry the desired
information. Specifically, 104 digits are recorded on the magnetic stripe
using an eight-digit identification number along with 32 measurements
(three digits per measurement). An effective format for the measurements
has been determined to be: six digits for standard tailoring measurements,
nineteen special body measurements for a highly accurate fitting
(optional), and seven head measurements to provide a silhouette profile
viewable from the front, side, or rear of the subject. It is to be noted
that the seven head measurements are not employed for the garment fitting
or specification, but rather only for the graphics display of the person.
After activating the terminal T by depressing an "ON" button 11, the
plastic card (not shown) bearing magnetically recorded data as indicated
above is entered in the cabinet 10 through a slot 12 and returned from a
slot 14. In its travel between the slots 12 and 14, the magnetic card is
sensed to provide both display data and garment-measurement data for the
person.
After the card exits from the slot 14, a message portion 16 of the screen I
exhibits the instruction "KEY IN PATTERN NUMBER". During this time, a
graphics portion 18 of the screen I is blank, presenting no image.
Responding to the instruction displayed by the message portion 16, the user
selectively depresses numerical keys 20 to identify the garment desired
for consideration. Normally, the identification number is taken from a
catalog of garments containing a simple representation of the garment and
an identification number.
As the next occurrence in the sequence, the message portion 16 of the image
screen I displays the instruction: "KEY IN FABRIC NUMBER". In response to
such an instruction, the user employs the keys to key in a number
identifying a particular fabric for the graphics display. Again, the
source of the number may be a catalog or book of fabric samples.
With the entry of the garment and fabric numbers into the system,
communication is established from the terminal T to a central station (not
shown in FIG. 1) to obtain the display data for the garment along with
options and design data. Recapitulating to some extent, the terminal now
registers physical display data and physical garment measurement data for
the subject, and display data as well as specification data for the
garment being contemplated.
The equipment at the location of the terminal T under consideration next
processes the data as described in detail below initially to determine
whether or not the garment under consideration is appropriate for the
subject under consideration. That is, in certain instances, garments may
be designed with certain limitations, for example, certain garments may
not be considered to be satisfactory by the designer for persons
possessing certain measurements. If such an inappropriate selection is
made, the message portion 16 of the screen I exhibits the message "NOT
RECOMMENDED". Alternatively, if the wearer's physical characteristics meet
the criteria imposed by the garment designer, then a display appears on
the graphics portion 18 of the screen I showing the selected garment in
the selected fabric on a representation of the subject.
It is to be noted that in the event that the operator either makes a
mistake or decides against the garment specified, the entire operating
sequence can be negated by depressing a cancellation button 22 bearing the
legend "C". If desired, the operator can then begin again with a fresh
start.
During the operation after the initial presentation of the garment on the
wearer, the system and the operator cooperate to resolve certain
individual choices with respect to garment options. Recognizing that such
choices may vary considerably, the example of a dress hemline will be
treated as initially illustrative. Accordingly, along with the graphics
display on the screen I, the message portion 16 will indicate the legend:
"DRAW HEMLINE WITH POINTER". The instruction refers to the use of an
electronic wand or marker 26 which is attached to the cabinet 10 by a
cable 28. The instructed operation consists of using the marker 26 to draw
a line at the desired hemline of the garment as depicted. After a brief
delay, the graphic portion 18 of the screen I displays an image reflecting
the garment with the selected hemline.
In order to better appreciate the garment on the subject, the image
depicted by the graphics portion 18 of the screen I may be revolved to
exhibit side views as well as a rear view of the composite. Specifically,
a knob 30 is provided in the panel P which may be turned to rotate the
displayed figure. Accordingly, the user may clearly view the composite
figure, perhaps even more effectively than in using mirrors to view an
actual garment being worn. The composite image may be rotated at any time
during the subsequent displays that occur in the course of sepcifying the
desired garment.
From the present stage of operation, the user of the system is provided a
number of individual options which are afforded depending upon the design,
the wearer's physical form, and specification criteria. For example,
considering a pair of trousers, the user may be given the rather routine
choice of: "CUFFS ON THE TROUSERS?" Pursuing such an example, the question
would be exhibited on the message portion 16 of the screen I. In response
to the query, the user would selectively push either the button 32 (yes)
or the button 34 (no). Thereafter, additional options or choices may be
presented for the user in specifying the garment ultimately to be
fabricated.
In a somewhat more refined operation of the system, the garment designer
may provide options which are directly related to the physical
characteristics of the person for whom the garment is being specified. For
example, the garment might be well suited with either patch pockets or
slash pockets for certain persons who fall within a specified range of
physical characteristics. However, using the designer's criteria, the
garment may be satisfactory only with slash pockets for persons outside
the specified range. Under such circumstances, the garment may be
exhibited in the graphics portion 18 of the screen I with slash pockets.
Then, depending on the subject under consideration, the option may or may
not be provided by concurrently having the message portion 16 of the
screen I pose the question: "PATCH POCKETS?" If appropriate, according to
the designer, the operator is afforded a choice. That choice is
conditioned upon the garment designer imposing the limitations. As
indicated above, the latitude may vary considerably; however, it is
apparent that designer-quality can be imposed by restricting the
flexibility of a specific garment depending upon the physical
characteristics of the wearer.
The number of individual option provided with respect to a particular
garment may vary considerably; however, in the operation of the system
when the options are resolved, the ultimate garment is displayed in the
graphics portion 18 of the screen I. At that stage, the message portion 16
carries the legend: "COMPLETE?" If the user desires to accept the design,
the "yes" button 32 is depressed which prompts the message portion 16 to
display an instruction "HAVE CLERK APPROVE". The user then summons an
attendant to conclude the transaction. Essentially, the attendant will
complete the financial transaction and actuate the system to proceed with
the creation of the specified garment. In the latter regard, the attendant
simply turns a key (not shown) in a key hole 36 which instructs the system
to proceed. As will be described in greater detail below, such action
results in a pattern being cut of fabric for the garment which then may be
sewn together using conventional techniques to provide a custom-specified
garment.
In view of the above preliminary consideration, it may be seen that the
system of the present invention enables the custom specification of
garments thereby reducing the speculative aspect of traditional garment
industry producton. That aspect along with inventory considerations result
in economies which bode well in an economic consideration of the present
system in providing custom garments.
In view of the above somewhat-functional description of the system of the
present invention, an appreciation of the system components may now be
accomplished by considering such components as depicted in FIG. 2
illustrating the total system. The terminal unit T of FIG. 1 is depicted
as one of several such terminal units T one of which is illustrated in the
form of separate well known components including an interactive graphic
display unit 40, a keyboard 42, and a magnetic card reader 44.
The terminal units T (which may vary in number) share a location computer
46 which constitutes essentially the remainder of the location equipment.
The location computer 46 as disclosed in detail below serves the
individual terminal units T to perform the data manipulations involved in
developing the specifically desired garment. A multiplicity of structures
for time sharing the location computer 46 among the terminals T are well
known in the prior art, and in that regard a select one of various
multiplexing schemes and structures is incorporated in the location
computer 46.
The location equipment (comprising a number of terminals T) would normally
be the installation at a single retail facility. In that manner, a number
of prospective purchasers could be working individually at separate
terminals served by a single location computer. A plurality of location
equipments, E.sub.1, E.sub.2, and so on are illustrated in FIG. 2, each
connected to a communication system 48. Again, a variety of time sharing
structures or multiplexers are well known in the prior art. In that regard
the communication system 48 incorporates a well known structure for
sequencing or otherwise treating data from the location equipments
E.sub.1, E.sub.2, and so on for communication with apparatus comprising
the central location unit U. Specifically, the communication system 48 may
include a telephone link, along with modems to provide communication
between the individual location equipments E and a central location unit
U. Specifically, the communication system 48 communicates with a logic and
memory unit 50 which in turn communicatively controls a cutting table
apparatus 52.
The unit 50 may take various forms of pattern scaling and designing systems
specifically including structures as available from Camsco, Inc. of
Richardson, Texas, or California Computer Products, Inc. of Anaheim,
California. Certain aspects which may be incorporated in the unit 50 are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,391,392 entitled "Method and Apparatus for
Pattern Data Processing".
The unit 50 accomplishes a variety of functions. A sizable storage
capability in the unit 50 registers garment display data and garment
specification data for a substantial number of individual garments. The
garment specification data includes not only basic patterns but data with
respect to options as applicable in a limited manner to individual
measurements as described in detail below. Furthermore, the unit 50
includes the capability to grade a specified garment in order to generate
and provide pattern data for specific personal measurements as developed
during the operation of the system, complete with various options.
Upon developing the final pattern data, the unit 50 sequences the data for
driving the cutting table apparatus which responds to cut the detailed
pattern for the desired garment. In that regard, the cutting table
apparatus 52 may take the form of an automated water jet cutting system
available from Camsco, Inc., Richardson, Texas, aspects of which are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,748. The system as well known in the
prior art can be configured with a variety of material feeding systems
whereby a select fabric or material is supplied to the cutting table for
cutting by a moving water jet.
Considering the general flow of data signals in the system of FIG. 2, the
communication system 48 is active during two occasions in dealing with the
most-compact complete transaction. Specifically, if the communication
system 48 incorporates a telephonic link, the line is seized initially to
receive basic garment data at the location computer 46. If the garment so
identified culminates in a completed transaction, the line is again seized
to provide the detailed specifications of the garment from the computer 46
to the unit 50. Of course, it should be recognized that a customer may
consider and work with more than one garment before a finalized garment is
specified to be actually produced. Abortive design efforts simply involve
purging the data indicative of a rejected garment.
Considering the flow of information in somewhat greater detail, it will be
recalled that the location computer 46 receives signals specifying a
fabric and a garment by number from a terminal unit T. During the initial
communication concerning the transaction, such data is transmitted by the
communication system 48 to the unit 50 along with identification data
indicating the location of the equipment E and the transaction number.
In response to receiving the initial data, the unit 50 provides signals
representative of data on limitations of the garment, garment display
data, and garment options. Although not disclosed in detail in the
illustrative embodiment set forth herein, the system may also provide cost
data so as to inform the prospective customer of pricing variations as
well as the final price for a garment. With such data from the unit 50,
the location computer drives the display unit 40 during the sequence of
selections as described above to result in a precisely specified garment
reflecting the designer criteria, the wearer's physical characteristics,
and the individual tastes of the prospective purchaser. The structure for
such operation is described below.
Upon completion of the specifications for a garment, there is another
seizure of the telephone line (assuming the communication system 48
incorporates a telephonic link) during which signals representing the
custom specifications for the garment (including selected optional
features, fabric, and pattern identification) are communicated through the
communication system 48 to the unit 50. Again, although not disclosed in
the preferred embodiment, cost confirmation data may be provided from the
unit 50 to the location computer 46 along with the anticipated delivery
date.
It is to be noted that in the system of the illustrative embodiment, the
basic pattern data for a garment is not transmitted from the unit 50 to
the terminals T. Rather, the unit 50 withholds such basic pattern data
which is graded, scaled, and customized with optional features after the
garment is specified, to provide drive signals for the cutting table
apparatus 52. The completion of the garment is effected by sewing together
the various pattern components into a finished article of clothing.
Normally, the operation will be performed under the direct manual control
of a sewing machine.
Considering the location equipment in somewhat greater detail, reference
will now be made to FIG. 3 showing a plurality of terminal units T along
with a control console 60 which has greater control flexibility along with
the capability for certain ancillary modifications of the operating
format. The terminals T along with the control console 60 are connected
through a terminal interface 62 to a sequence control unit 64. Timing
operations as well as data signal transfers are accomplished through the
sequence control unit 64 which is connected to an address unit 66, an
associated disc storage 68, and a pattern development logic unit 70 which
incorporates a number of several different operating capabilities.
Somewhat functionally considered, the logic unit 70 incorporates structure
71 for checking measurements of a subject against imposed limitations for
the specific garment under consideration. Also, the unit 70 incorporates a
picture system control and processor 73 which utilizes well known
techniques from the field of interactive computer graphics. Still further,
the unit 70 includes variation option controls 75 which drive the display
apparatus to provide design queries answerable either by a "yes" or a "no"
indication which serve to finalize the design specification of the
garment.
In the course of sequencing the option of the location equipment as
depicted in FIG. 3, the sequence control unit 64 provides a number of
timing signals t.sub.1 through t.sub.n. The timing signals function to
control gates and latches to maintain organization and logic for the
operating sequence of processing data.
In general, the system as depicted in FIG. 3 broadly shows the elements of
the location equipment. In that regard, the equipment may be variously
configured as in a special purpose format to afford the capability of the
individual blocks represented in FIG. 3. Essentially, assuming the
operation of specifying a particular garment under control of an operator
at one of the terminals T, after an initial interchange (through a
communication channel 72) the disc storage 68 contains data signals
representative of several items of information. Specifically, the storage
68 contains information on limitations for the garment, display data for
the garment, options for variations on the garment, the clothing
measurements of the subject, and the personal display data for the
subject.
As the sequence of operation progresses through the individual stages
manifest by the timing signals t.sub.1 -t.sub.n under control of the unit
64, logic operations are performed by the unit 70 which in due course
develop the data to specify the desired garment in the disc storage 68.
Specifically, the developed data includes: the garment and fabric
identification, the transaction identification, the selected features for
the garment, and the clothing measurements of the subject. The development
of that data indicates the conclusion of a cycle of operations after which
such data is transmitted through the line 72 to the logic and memory unit
50 (FIG. 2) for processing and development of signals to direct the
cutting table apparatus 52 to provide fabric properly cut and sectioned
for the garment.
It is to be noted that in addition to creating custom garments, the system
of the present invention can be employed to provide clothing patterns of
paper or the like, which are subsequently employed to manually produce the
fabric for the desired garment. In one such situation, a consumer may
desire a pattern from which a plurality of similar garments will be
produced, as with different fabrics.
Recognizing the complexity of the system of FIG. 3, and the vast volume of
material required for an ultimately detailed description, the illustrative
embodiment is treated with reference to operating registers and flow
paths, as disclosed in FIG. 4. Such a disclosure will enable a person of
ordinary skill in the art to implement the system using a variety of
available computer-related techniques. Specifically in that regard, the
system described with reference to FIG. 4 will afford sufficient
information to enable the person of ordinary skill in the art to implement
the system using the elements as indicated in FIG. 3, i.e. disc storage,
sequence control, and so on.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the operation is controlled in accordance with the
following chart of binary signals, the occurrence of the "t" signals being
in accordance with their associated number.
__________________________________________________________________________
Display
Signal
Operation (Message & Graphics)
__________________________________________________________________________
t.sub.1
Machine in standby state
"INSERT CARD"
t.sub.2
Register card data in storage
and ID for transaction
blank-
t.sub.3
Machine waiting garment data
"KEY IN GARMENT
Number"
t.sub.4
Register garment number in
storage
blank-
t.sub.5
Machine waiting fabric data
"KEY IN FABRIC
NUMBER"
t.sub.6
Register fabric number in
storage
blank-
t.sub.7
Interchange with central
blank-
t.sub.8
Check pattern fabric and
measurements for approval
blank-
t.sub.9
Indicate garment unsuited
"GARMENT NOT
to measurements or fabric
RECOMMENDED"
t.sub.10
Process display data
blank-
t.sub.11
Display basic composite
DISPLAY-
and hemline question
"DRAW HEMLINE"
t.sub.12
Process display data
blank-
t.sub.13
Display basic composite with
DISPLAY-
adjusted hemline "PATCH POCKETS?"
t.sub.14
Process display data
blank-
t.sub.15
Display basic composite as
developed with other options
DISPLAY-
t.sub.x
Machine waiting spec. approval
DISPLAY-
"COMPLETE?"
t.sub.y
Establishment approval pending
DISPLAY-
"FETCH CLERK TO
APPROVE"
t.sub.n
Transfer data "THANK YOU"
G Turns system ON
blank-
F Turns system OFF
blank-
C Clears prior terminal activity
blank-
Y Yes
N No
__________________________________________________________________________
Referring now to FIG. 4, the display terminal unit is symbolically
represented by a block T at the upper right. The block T is segmented to
indicate the graphic display portion 102, the message display portion 104,
and the input portion 106.
The central location unit U is also illustrated in FIG. 4 (upper left) as a
single block to represent the considerable equipment at the central
location.
The balance of the structure represented in FIG. 4 is embodied in the
location computer 46 (FIGS. 2 and 4) as depicted in FIG. 2. In that
regard, the structure of FIG. 4 sets forth an operational system with a
view toward attaining a detailed disclosure adequate for enabling a person
or ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention; however, without
the ancillary complications and details which may be embodied in
commercial forms of equipment utilizing addressable storage and multiple
equipments.
The operation of the system of FIG. 4 is sequenced under control of a
sequence control unit 110 (lower left) which is connected to every block
depicted in FIG. 4 (connections omitted for simplicity). The unit 110
provides the binary timing signals t.sub.1 -t.sub.n which are connected to
various of the blocks indicated in FIG. 4 and additionally serve to gate
information transfers between the blocks illustrated in FIG. 4. The
structure and use of composite gate apparatus for controlling the transfer
of signal-represented data is well known in the prior art. Consequently,
in the interests of providing a simplified presentation, gating structures
have not been shown in detail; rather, as full equivalents, the timing for
transfers is indicated by signals labeling transfer lines where
appropriate.
In view of the above preliminary description of the system of FIG. 4, an
understanding thereof may now best be presented by assuming an initial
state of events and explaining occurrences as the operation proceeds.
Accordingly, assume initially that the system is energized awaiting use by
an operator to individually develop a garment. Further assume that the
operator is the intended wearer and has consulted garment and fabric
catalogs and both a tentative garment and fabric have been selected. The
operator then approaches the terminal unit T as depicted in FIG. 1
depressing the button 11 to place the terminal in an "on" state. As an
initial action, the operator would next depress the "clear" button 22
thereby conditioning the system for a fresh cycle of operations. That
action clears all registers illustrated in FIG. 4 preparatory to a fresh
interval of operation.
With the machine in an initialized state, the sequence control unit 110
(FIG. 4, lower left) provides the signal t.sub.1 high, indicating that the
machine is ready for a cycle of operation. As indicated in FIG. 4, the
timing signals are applied to a message display apparatus 112 (top
central) which selectively provides signals to the message display portion
104 of the terminal to command select messages to be displayed. When the
system is in the "ready" state (signal t.sub.1 high) the message display
apparatus 112 actuates the message display portion 104 with the
instruction: "INSERT CARD". With respect to the apparatus 112, various
forms of structures may be employed, an illustrative form of which may
comprise a storage facility for signals to command predetermined
alphanumeric displays each of which is uniquely selected to provide such
signals by a select one of the timing signals t.
Acting on the exhibited instruction, the operator inserts a card as
described above in the slot 12 through which the card is transported and
the magnetic stripe thereon sensed to provide the represented data in the
form of electrical signals. Various forms of card reading equipment are
available; however, one form of such apparatus is available from Mag-Tek,
Inc. of Carson, California.
The signals from the card are sensed by the portion 106 (FIG. 4) of the
terminal T and provided through a cable 114 to be registered in sections
of storage. Specifically, the signal-represented information includes:
personal measurement data, personal identification, and personal display
data as explained above.
During the time indicated by the timimg signal t.sub.2 (the existence of
the signal being identified as the time when that binary signal is in a
high state) personal measurement data is transferred into a section 116 of
a data storage D.sub.1 as well as a section 118 of a data storage D.sub.2.
Also during the timing signal t.sub.2, the personal identification from
the card is also stored in the section 118. Additional information from
the card in the form of the personal display data is registered in the
section 119 of the data storage D.sub.1.
Somewhat preliminarily, it will be understood that the data storage D.sub.1
is operational storage for data that is used in the course of specifying
the desired garment. Distinctively, the storage D.sub.2 is for the data
that is developed to be transmitted to the control location unit U for the
fabrication of the desired garment.
At the conclusion of the timing interval t.sub.2, the system enters a phase
designated by the timing signal t.sub.3 during which the message display
portion 104 of the terminal T exhibits: "KEY IN GARMENT NUMBER". The
signals for that message display are provided from the apparatus 112 to
the terminal T which instructs the user to provide the garment number
using the keys 20 (FIG. 1).
The garment number is passed through a line 120 from the terminal T to be
registered in a signal-represented form during the interval of signal
t.sub.4 in a section 122 of the storage D.sub.2. The completion of the
operation prompts the sequence control unit 110 to advance to the state of
the signal t.sub.5 which actuates the message display apparatus 112 to
cause the message display portion of the terminal to exhibit: "KEY IN
FABRIC NUMBER". Responding to the instruction, the operator again uses the
keys 20, in this instance to provide the fabric number. Representative
signals are formed by the input apparatus in portion 106 and are passed
through a line 124 during the interval t.sub.6 to be registered in section
126 of the storage D.sub.2.
With the registration of the fabric number in section 126 of the storage
D.sub.2, the sequence control unit 110 proceeds to the interval of the
timing signal t.sub.7 (note the above chart) during which the terminal
apparatus is placed in communication with the central location unit U. As
indicated above, such communication may involve a telephone link or other
long distance facility and in that regard, breaks are indicated, as in the
line 128 which carries signals representative of the garment number and
the fabric number to the central location unit 108.
During the same time interval (period of binary signal t.sub.7) the unit U
provides the working data to the data storage D.sub.1, for the selected
garment from a stored catalog of such information. Specifically, during
the interval of the signal t.sub.7, the unit U provides return signals
through a line 130 to register data in the data storage D.sub.1.
Specifically, signals representative of design limitations for the garment
are stored in a section 132, signals representative of the garment display
data are provided in a section 134, and signals indicative of garment
options are placed in a section 136. Consequently, the data storage
D.sub.1 is loaded and the system is prepared to move forward in the
operation of developing a specification for a desired garment.
Consequently, the sequence control unit, in accordance with the above
chart, advances to provide the timing signal t.sub.8 defining an interval
when the measurements of the subject are tested against limitations
imposed by the garment designer.
The initial approval of the garment for the measurements of concern is
accomplished by a garment-limitation logic unit 138 during the interval of
the signal t.sub.8. The unit 138 receives the personal measurement data
from the storage section 136 along with garment limitation data from the
storage section 132. In one form, the logic unit 138 may simply comprise
apparatus for performing a number of digital magnitude comparisons between
designer-imposed limits and the actual measurements of the subject. For
example, it may be that a garment is designed with the objective of giving
the wearer an appearance of being heavier than actually is the fact.
Essentially, the garment would be worn by a thin person to give the
appearance of greater bulk. Consequently, the designer may impose maximum
waist-height proportions for persons who should wear the selected garment.
In such an example, the waist-height ratio limitation from storage section
132 is compared with the actual waist-height ratio of the subject
(received from the storage section 116). Should the actual waist-height
ratio exceed the designer-limited waist-height ratio, a rejection signal
is provided in the line 140 which prompts the sequence control unit 110 to
indicate the timing signal t.sub.9 manifesting that the garment is not
satisfactory. Specifically, the timing signal t.sub.9 applied to the
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