Fabric Database and Fuzzy Logic Models for Evaluating Fabric Performance

AbstrAct A Web-based fabric database is introduced in terms of its physical structure, software system architecture, basic and intelligent search engines, and various display methods for search results. A fuzzy linear clustering method is used to predict fabric drape coefficient from fabric mechanical and structural properties. Experimental data indicate that fuzzy linear clustering is quite effective for this purpose. A hybrid method combining fuzzy linear clustering with K-nearest neighbor is also applied for the prediction of the fabric drape coefficient with improved prediction accuracy. The study also reveals that the fuzzy linear clustering method can also be used for predicting fabric tailorability with good prediction accuracy. Mathematical principles of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation are summarized and a typical application for assessing fabric comfort is exhibited. Through the fuzzy calculation, a single numerical value is produced to express female preferences for six fabric types for use in blouses, slacks, and underpants with respect to fabric property changes in an incremental-wear trial. Finally, a neuro-fuzzy computing technique for evaluating nonwoven fabric softness is presented. The combinational use of the fuzzy logic models (CANFIS) and the neural network method makes a significant step toward launching a fabric database application for neural network computing as a routine laboratory evaluation. More and more clothing retailers favor a strong Internet presence to promote online shopping. A recent example of this can be seen with the retailer Neiman Marcus launching a $24 million Web site investment with new multimedia applications (Kemp & Lewis, 2000). The company hopes that the new investment will extend its merchandising strategy and promise to make the online shopping experience more realistic. Today, apparel retailing holds the second place for online sales, next to long-term e-business leader online travel. It is reported that the online sales of apparel, footwear, and accessories have risen to $18.3 billion in 2006, and are expected to reach $22.1 billion in 2007 (Dilworth, 2007). All these figures indicate that the textile and clothing industries will further stimulate the IT industry to develop new technologies for accelerating e-commerce capabilities. Although the IT achievements are significant , online fabric sourcing and shopping still has many obstacles to overcome. Technology, customer service, and distribution management are all challenging apparel manufacturers and retailers. From a technical point of view, apparel design and manufacturing is still more a kind of art than science. For example, fabric quality is mainly assessed by experts' subjective impression …