Development of a Military Uniform Size System Using Hybrid Support Vector Clustering with a Genetic Algorithm

• Main Authors: Ting-Chen Hu, Jason C.H. Chen, Gino K. Yang, Cheng-Wei Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Symmetry
• Subjects: military application; uniform size system; support vector clustering (SVC); support vector machines (SVM); genetic algorithm
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-8994/11/5/665

Military uniforms serve as an essential symbol for servicemen and an important image of national and military dignity. The current military uniform size system in Taiwan, which features various types of military uniforms based on the body sizes of servicemen, was formulated in 1986. This size classification system includes numerous groups and is too complex, leading to inventory overstock, increased inventory cost and warehouse staff workload, and a waste of national defense resources. This study used support vector clustering (SVC) with genetic algorithm (GA) models to improve the upper garment size system for uniforms. The SVC technique was employed to classify sizes, and the GA technique was used to determine optimal parameter values for the SVC model. This paper developed an upper garment size system that can increase the fit of uniforms to servicemen’s body sizes and reduce the number of size groups, thereby alleviating warehouse staff workload and inventory cost.