New features include an AR mode and ultra-realistic knit fabric viewer. © Shima Seiki

Leading computerised flat knitting technologist Shima Seiki, of Wakayama, Japan, has released a major update to its smart device app VR-knit.com. New features include an AR mode and ultra-realistic knit fabric viewer, enabling a richer virtual knit experience.

The new AR (augmented reality) function allows a virtual model wearing Shima Seiki original knitwear to be viewed within the user's actual surroundings, offering an even more effective "real world" presentation of virtual knitwear. The model can be viewed from all angles, and the intensity and direction of the light source can be adjusted as well. Screenshots can be taken of the virtual model in AR mode as well.

Shima Seiki original knitwear can now be viewed as ultra-realistic virtual samples in full detail. “This is made possible by the high quality of knit simulation on SDS-ONE APEX3,” the company adds.

VR-knit.com

The app was initially released in November 2017 for showcasing Shima Seiki's original knit collection as 3D images in virtual space. Knitwear can be browsed by trend theme and rotated 360°, and with the use of VR goggles, the collection can be enjoyed in 3D. Traditionally, fashion trend collections involved prototype samples designed and produced each season worn by models at fashion events. With VR-knit.com, collections can be viewed anytime, anywhere, without limitations in time, place or opportunity.

SDS-ONE APEX3 is the latest all-in-one design tool for designing knitwear and programming of Shima Seiki industrial knitting machines. © Shima Seiki

New themes and items are added to VR-knit.com on a regular basis. By allowing push notifications on any smart device, it can receive the latest fashion trend information from Shima Seiki.

Virtual sampling

All knitwear featured in VR-knit.com is planned, designed, and simulated using Shima Seiki's 3D design system SDS-ONE APEX3. “Such digitised knitwear is attracting attention as a tool for advancing IT in the fashion industry,” the company explains.

“Furthermore, simulation with APEX3 becomes the basis for data to be used for actual programming of dedicated industrial knitting machines (computerised flat knitting machines). Until now, it was common for apps to simply allow for viewing of fashion designs in virtual space. Now, by linking virtual designs to actual production, VR-knit.com presents a production model for IT-based 21st century manufacturing.”

Shima Seiki’s computer graphic 3D design system is the latest all-in-one design tool for designing knitwear and programming of Shima Seiki industrial knitting machines. Special features of the SDS-ONE APEX3’s performance include an ultra-realistic fabric simulation that can reproduce fabric texture, to the extent of confusing with genuine fabrics, the company says. Simulations can be used as virtual samples that replace actual knitwear in sampling, saving precious time, cost and material. Virtual knitwear can also be used in retail ‘presale activities’ to gauge consumer response in order to forecast demand even before the item goes to market.

www.shimaseiki.com