If the shoe fits, click it; body scans promise custom clothing for any physique, but you have to be willing to strip to your underwear

Article Abstract:

The international fashion industry is developing 3D body scanning technology for customizing a shopper's physique. This so-called mass customization could increase the sophisticated measurements's availability from the wealthy to mall shoppers by around Aug 1999. Retailers can place a shopper's personal information on a smart card, according to the Computer Clothing Research Center at Nottingham Trent University in England. Consumers then can apply the data toward Internet shopping for specific fabrics and fitting. Clothing manufacturers and retailers are very interested in the bulky body scanning equipment, but they know digital fashion first must overcome obstacles before winning customer approval. An example is Brooks Brothers, which since Aug 1997 has deployed software in addition to the traditional tape measurements for button-down shirts. The software can present specific information for customized fitting.

Equipment and supplies, Technology development, Electronic commerce, E-commerce, Biometry, Biometric technology

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Overbite, underbite, megabyte: dentistry gets an upgrade; digital techniques may affect diagnosis, treatment and marketing

Article Abstract:

Digital technology advances may revolutionize dentistry, but customers may have to absorb some of the high-end equipment's costs. Digitized X-rays may become the first area to gain widespread use. One dentist said the new X-rays will reduce patients's radiation exposure by around 90% when compared to regular film. A sensor, equipped with a computer chip, delivers the information to a computer. Images not only appear on the computer within seconds, they also can be manipulated. Another promising technology is the fiber-optic dental camera, which allows dentists to aim a small fiber-optic device area at an area of the mouth and then sends the image to a miniature video recorder. Interest in digital technology varies among dentists, some of whom question the long-term expenses and practicality. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to around $75,000 for digital-technology equipment.

Innovations, Product development, Dentistry, Dental equipment and supplies industry, Dental equipment industry

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The view from the outside: Levi's needs more than a patch

Article Abstract:

After the news that Levi Strauss would lay off almost 6,000 employees and close 11 plants, lots of people started voicing their opinions about why it has happened and what the privately-held San Francisco jeans company should do next. Here are some of those voices, from Russell Simmons to Clive Chajet. Benson P. Shapiro, prof. of marketing at Harvard said, "Wisdom ripens with age, like a fine wine. But fashion is like a banana; it rots. Maybe Levi's needs a bit more banana and a bit less wine."

Comment:

If Levi's wants advice, it is here

United States, Strategy & planning, Planning, Abstract, Levi Strauss & Co., Jeans (Clothing)

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