| The development of high performance feminine hygiene products that can meet the intrinsic needs associated with menstruation and incontinence requires anatomical tools that closely resemble the female reproductive anatomy. Thus, the present project proposes the creation of a complete, virtual woman, with detailed internal and external reproductive organs, as well as related tools for feminine hygiene product development. This first, complete virtual mannequin, based on explicit reference pictures of a woman, proposes a body that closely resembles the average North-American consumer, with a body structure matching a body mass index (BMI) of 24, and the internal reproductive organs of a healthy nulliparous. The magnetic resonance imaging of the reproductive organs and urinary system was used to obtain medical images; these images were then used for the three dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the bladder, the urethra, the vaginal canal, the uterus, the ovaries and the rectum using the SliceOmatic software. The MeshLab software was then used for smoothing of internal components. Results include the internal and external virtual 3D model of the human body, as well as various functions, including the flattening of the pelvic area into a two-dimensional image for generating ideas on acetate, as well as a true anatomical model created in rapid prototyping from digitalization of a human torso (from belly to mid-thigh), with the purpose of trying actual products on underwear. Ideally, this virtual anatomical model would not only enable product developers to improve existing products (to reduce failures and improve comfort) and create new concepts, but it would also be a very interesting educational tool for internal use in the proxy company, and also during discussion groups with consumers.;Key words: Menstruations, incontinence, genital organs, feminine hygiene, urogenital, 3D reconstruction, virtual mannequin... |
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