A comparative study of heuristic algorithms: GA and UMDA in spatially multiplexed communication systems

A performance comparison of genetic algorithm (GA) and the univariate marginal distribution algorithm (UMDA) as decoders in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication system is presented in this paper. While the optimal maximum likelihood (ML) decoder using an exhaustive search method is prohibitively complex, simulation results show that the GA and UMDA optimized MIMO detection algorithms result in near optimal bit error rate (BER) performance with significantly reduced computational complexity. The results also suggest that the heuristic based MIMO detection outperforms the vertical bell labs layered space time (VBLAST) detector without severely increasing the detection complexity. The performance of UMDA is found to be superior to that of GA in terms of computational complexity and the BER performance.     

A hybrid computational strategy for identification of structural parameters

By identifying parameters such as stiffness values of a structural system, the numerical model can be updated to give more accurate response prediction or to monitor the state of the structure. Considerable progress has been made in this subject area, but most research works have considered only small systems. A major challenge lies in obtaining good identification results for systems with many unknown parameters. In this study, a non-classical approach is adopted involving the use of genetic algorithms (GA). Nevertheless, direct application of GA does not necessarily work, particularly with regards to computational efficiency in fine-tuning when the solution approaches the optimal value. A hybrid computational strategy is thus proposed, combining GA with a compatible local search operator. Two hybrid methods are formulated and illustrated by numerical simulation studies to perform significantly better than the GA method without local search. A fairly large structural system with 52 unknown parameters is identified with good results, taking into consideration the effects of incomplete measurement and noisy data.     

Optimum design of structures by an improved genetic algorithm using neural networks

Optimum design of large-scale structures by standard genetic algorithm (GA) makes the computational burden of the process very high. To reduce the computational cost of standard GA, two different strategies are used. The first strategy is by modifying the standard GA, called virtual sub-population method (VSP). The second strategy is by using artificial neural networks for approximating the structural analysis. In this study, radial basis function (RBF), counter propagation (CP) and generalized regression (GR) neural networks are used. Using neural networks within the framework of VSP creates a robust tool for optimum design of structures.     

Improved Complex-valued Radial Basis Function (ICRBF) neural networks on multiple crack identification

This paper introduces a new class of neural networks in complex space called Complex-valued Radial Basis Function (CRBF) neural networks and also an improved version of CRBF called Improved Complex-valued Radial Basis Function (ICRBF) neural networks. They are used for multiple crack identification in a cantilever beam in the frequency domain. The novelty of the paper is that, these complex-valued neural networks are first applied on inverse problems (damage identification) which come under the category of function approximation. The conventional CRBF network was used in the first stage of ICRBF network and in the second stage a reduced search space moving technique was employed for accurate crack identification. The effectiveness of proposed ICRBF neural network was studied first on a single crack identification problem and then applied to a more challenging problem of multiple crack identification in a cantilever beam with zero noise as well as 5% noise polluted signals. The results proved that, the proposed ICRBF and real-valued Improved RBF (IRBF) neural networks have identified the single and multiple cracks with less than 1% absolute mean percentage error as compared to conventional CRBF and RBF neural networks, mainly because of their second stage reduced search space moving technique. It appears that IRBF neural network is a good compromise considering all factors like accuracy, simplicity and computational effort.     

A genetic algorithm for the vendor-managed inventory routing problem with lost sales

This paper proposes a genetic algorithm (GA) for the inventory routing problem with lost sales under a vendor-managed inventory strategy in a two-echelon supply chain comprised of a single manufacturer and multiple retailers. The proposed GA is inspired by the solving mechanism of CPLEX for the optimization model of the problem. The proposed GA determines replenishment times and quantities and vehicle routes in a decoupled manner, while maximizing supply chain profits. The proposed GA is compared with the optimization model with respect to the effectiveness and efficiency in various test problems. The proposed GA finds solutions in a short computational time that are very close to those obtained with the optimization model for small problems and solutions that are within 3.2% of those for large problems. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the effects of several problem parameters on the performance of the proposed GA and total profits.     

Precision range image registration using a robust surface interpenetration measure and enhanced genetic algorithms

This paper addresses the range image registration problem for views having low overlap and which may include substantial noise. The current state of the art in range image registration is best represented by the well-known iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm and numerous variations on it. Although this method is effective in many domains, it nevertheless suffers from two key limitations: it requires prealignment of the range surfaces to a reasonable starting point; and it is not robust to outliers arising either from noise or low surface overlap. This paper proposes a new approach that avoids these problems. To that end, there are two key, novel contributions in this work: a new, hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) technique, including hill climbing and parallel-migration, combined with a new, robust evaluation metric based on surface interpenetration. Up to now, interpenetration has been evaluated only qualitatively; we define the first quantitative measure for it. Because they search in a space of transformations, GA are capable of registering surfaces even when there is low overlap between them and without need for prealignment. The novel GA search algorithm we present offers much faster convergence than prior GA methods, while the new robust evaluation metric ensures more precise alignments, even in the presence of significant noise, than mean squared error or other well-known robust cost functions. The paper presents thorough experimental results to show the improvements realized by these two contributions.     

Makespan minimization on single batch-processing machine via ant colony optimization

This paper investigates the problem of minimizing makespan on a single batch-processing machine, and the machine can process multiple jobs simultaneously. Each job is characterized by release time, processing time, and job size. We established a mixed integer programming model and proposed a valid lower bound for this problem. By introducing a definition of waste and idle space (WIS), this problem is proven to be equivalent to minimizing the WIS for the schedule. Since the problem is NP-hard, we proposed a heuristic and an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm based on the theorems presented. A candidate list strategy and a new method to construct heuristic information were introduced for the ACO approach to achieve a satisfactory solution in a reasonable computational time. Through extensive computational experiments, appropriate ACO parameter values were chosen and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms was evaluated by solution quality and run time. The results showed that the ACO algorithm combined with the candidate list was more robust and consistently outperformed genetic algorithm (GA), CPLEX, and the other two heuristics, especially for large job instances.     

Hybrid real coded genetic algorithm solution to economic dispatch problem

This paper presents a new, two-phase hybrid real coded genetic algorithm (GA) based technique to solve economic dispatch (ED) problem with multiple fuel options. The proposed hybrid scheme is developed in such a way that a simple real coded GA is acting as a base level search, which makes a quick decision to direct the search towards the optimal region, and local optimization by direct search and systematic reduction in size of the search region method is next employed to do the fine tuning. Constraint satisfaction technique has been employed to improve the solution quality and reduce the computational expenses. In order to validate the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid real coded genetic algorithm, the result of 10-generation unit ED problem with multiple fuel options is considered. The result shows that the proposed hybrid algorithm not only improves the solution accuracy and reliability but also makes the algorithm more efficient in terms of number of function evaluations and computation time. The simulation study clearly demonstrates that the proposed hybrid real coded genetic algorithm is practical and valid for real-time applications.     

Truss optimization on shape and sizing with frequency constraints based on parallel genetic algorithm

Truss shape and sizing optimization under frequency constraints is extremely useful when improving the dynamic performance of structures. However, coupling of two different types of design variables, nodal coordinates and cross-sectional areas, often lead to slow convergence or even divergence. Because shape and sizing variables coupled increase the number of design variables and the changes of shape and sizing variables are of widely different orders of magnitude. Otherwise, multiple frequency constraints often cause difficult dynamic sensitivity analysis. Thus optimal criteria and mathematical programming methods have considerable limitations on solving the problems because of needing complex dynamic sensitivity analysis and being easily trapped into the local optima. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) show great potentials to solve the truss shape and sizing optimization problems. Since GAs adopt global probabilistic population search techniques and require no gradient information. The improved genetic algorithms can effectively increase the solution quality. However, the serial GA is computationally expensive and is limited on gaining higher quality solutions. To solve the truss shape and sizing optimization problems with frequency constraints more effectively and efficiently, a Niche Hybrid Parallel Genetic Algorithm (NHPGA) is proposed to significantly reduce the computational cost and to further improve solution quality. The NHPGA is to blend the advantages of parallel computing, simplex search and genetic algorithm with niche technique. Several typical truss optimization examples demonstrate that NHPGA can significantly reduce computing time and attain higher quality solutions. It also suggests that the NHPGA provide a potential algorithm architecture, which effectively combines the robust and global search characteristics of genetic algorithm, strong exploitation ability of simplex search and computational speedup property of parallel computing.     

考虑紧急度的救灾车辆路径问题建模与优化

为了减少救灾物资配送的延误时间和救灾车辆的总运输时间，引入紧急度的概念，建立了基于紧急度的救灾物资车辆路径问题模型，并设计了一种改进遗传算法对该模型进行求解。首先，采用多种策略生成初始种群；然后，提出一种基于紧急度的任务再分配算法作为局部搜索算子，该算法依据紧急度为延误安置点重新安排配送车辆或调整配送顺序从而减少延误时间，对无延误的车辆优化其路线从而减少总运输时间，以达到延误时间和总运输时间两者最优。在17个数据集上与先来先服务（FCFS）算法、按紧急度排序（URGS）算法和遗传算法（GA）三种算法进行了对比。实验结果表明，具有基于紧急度的任务再分配策略的遗传算法（TRUD-GA）与GA相比，平均延误时间减少25.0%，平均运输时间减少1.9%，与FCFS、URGS算法相比改进则更加明显。     

Robust optimization of constrained mechanical system with joint clearance and random parameters using multi-objective particle swarm optimization

Joint clearance and uncertainty are inevitable in mechanical systems due to design tolerance, abrasion, manufacture error, assembly error and imperfections. In this study, kinematic analysis and robust optimization of constrained mechanical systems with joint clearance and random parameters were performed. Joint clearance was modeled by Lankarani-Nikravesh contact force model, and probability space was applied for characterizing uncertain parameters. A kinematic analysis method based on Baumgarte approach and confidence region method was presented to predict kinematic error of the mechanical system. Slider-crank mechanism, an illustrative example was presented to show the influence of clearance and uncertainty on the kinematic accuracy. Then, a novel multi-objective robust optimization methodology was presented for kinematic accuracy robust optimization design of the constrained mechanical system. In this approach, a multi-objective robust optimization model derived from 95% confidence region is constructed to reduce the effects of clearance and parameter uncertainty on 95% confidence region of kinematic error. The robust optimization model is a double-loop process. A multi-objective robust optimization strategy, combing Kriging surrogate model, multi-objective particle swarm optimization, confidence region and Monte Carlo methods, was proposed to search the design variables for minimizing the optimization objectives derived from confidence region while balancing computational accuracy and efficiency of the optimization process. The optimal results of the slider-crank mechanism demonstrated the validity and feasibility of the proposed robust optimization method.     

A fuzzy self-tuning parallel genetic algorithm for optimization

The genetic algorithm (GA) is now a very popular tool for solving optimization problems. Each operator has its special approach route to a solution. For example, a GA using crossover as its major operator arrives at solutions depending on its initial conditions. In other words, a GA with multiple operators should be more robust in global search. However, a multiple operator GA needs a large population size thus taking a huge time for evaluation. We therefore apply fuzzy reasoning to give effective operators more opportunity to search while keeping the overall population size constant. We propose a fuzzy self-tuning parallel genetic algorithm (FPGA) for optimization problems. In our test case FPGA there are four operators—crossover, mutation, sub-exchange, and sub-copy. These operators are modified using the eugenic concept under the assumption that the individuals with higher fitness values have a higher probability of breeding new better individuals. All operators are executed in each generation through parallel processing, but the populations of these operators are decided by fuzzy reasoning. The fuzzy reasoning senses the contributions of these operators, and then decides their population sizes. The contribution of each operator is defined as an accumulative increment of fitness value due to each operator's success in searching. We make the assumption that the operators that give higher contribution are more suitable for the typical optimization problem. The fuzzy reasoning is built under this concept and adjusts the population sizes in each generation. As a test case, a FPGA is applied to the optimization of the fuzzy rule set for a model reference adaptive control system. The simulation results show that the FPGA is better at finding optimal solutions than a traditional GA.     

Three Natural Computation methods for joint channel estimation and symbol detection in multiuser communications

This paper studies three of the most important optimization algorithms belonging to Natural Computation (NC): genetic algorithm (GA), tabu search (TS) and simulated quenching (SQ). A concise overview of these methods, including their fundamentals, drawbacks and comparison, is described in the first half of the paper. Our work is particularized and focused on a specific application: joint channel estimation and symbol detection in a Direct-Sequence/Code-Division Multiple-Access (DS/CDMA) multiuser communications scenario; therefore, its channel model is described and the three methods are explained and particularized for solving this. Important issues such as suboptimal convergence, cycling search or control of the population diversity have deserved special attention. Several numerical simulations analyze the performance of these three methods, showing, as well, comparative results with well-known classical algorithms such as the Minimum Mean Square Error estimator (MMSE), the Matched Filter (MF) or Radial Basis Function (RBF)-based detection schemes. As a consequence, the three proposed methods would allow transmission at higher data rates over channels under more severe fading and interference conditions. Simulations show that our proposals require less computational load in most cases. For instance, the proposed GA saves about 73% of time with respect to the standard GA. Besides, when the number of active users doubles from 10 to 20, the complexity of the proposed GA increases by a factor of 8.33, in contrast to 32 for the optimum maximum likelihood detector. The load of TS and SQ is around 15–25% higher than that of the proposed GA.     

Binary trie coding scheme: an intelligent genetic algorithm avoiding premature convergence

The multi-dimensional knapsack problems (MKP) have a landscape called a rugged landscape, which may lead to local optima without any progress to optimal solution. Optimization requirement often involves searching amongst various solutions under multi-objective situations. Maintaining diversity and avoiding premature convergence while keeping the population size small and unique is one of the prime approaches to meet the requirements. In this paper, we propose a practical solution to the duplicity as well as premature convergence problem. We have introduced the concept of virtually compressed binary trie (VCBT) and tried to show that the VCBT can be naturally integrated with the genetic algorithm (GA) so that duplicates are completely eliminated while the trie size is kept reasonably small and practically feasible. Our binary trie coding scheme (BTCS) relies on problem-specific knowledge in fragmenting the search space into feasible and infeasible regions, and thus pruning the infeasible areas. Pruning of the trie occurs frequently and is dependent upon many parameters (other than the infeasibility) and the trie size is kept small throughout the whole process. Comparison tables are given for the performance of the BTCS and other good performing evolutionary algorithms found in literature for the MKP. Here, the optimization ability of the BTCS is compared against the GA given by Chu and Beasley; in particular, on a suite of standard MKP test instances from the OR library. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy significantly improves the computational efficiency of GA and generates robust and near-optimal solutions.     

基于混合遗传算法和点面距离测度的深度像配准*

提出一种利用改进的遗传算法和点面距离作为误差测度的深度像精确配准算法。与现有ICP框架下的迭代算法不同,将深度像配准视为高维空间的一个优化问题,通过在遗传算法中加入退火选择、爬山法以及参数空间的动态退化来加速寻找最优的位置转换关系。同时,采用一种新的基于点面距离的适应函数来计算配准误差,使得算法具有更强的鲁棒性。实验结果表明,该算法不需要初始的运动参数估计,具有较高的配准精度,收敛速度快且抗噪声能力强。     

Strategic bidding using fuzzy adaptive gravitational search algorithm in a pool based electricity market

A novel stochastic optimization approach to solve optimal bidding strategy problem in a pool based electricity market using fuzzy adaptive gravitational search algorithm (FAGSA) is presented. Generating companies (suppliers) participate in the bidding process in order to maximize their profits in an electricity market. Each supplier will bid strategically for choosing the bidding coefficients to counter the competitors bidding strategy. The gravitational search algorithm (GSA) is tedious to solve the optimal bidding strategy problem because, the optimum selection of gravitational constant (G). To overcome this problem, FAGSA is applied for the first time to tune the gravitational constant using fuzzy “IF/THEN” rules. The fuzzy rule-based systems are natural candidates to design gravitational constant, because they provide a way to develop decision mechanism based on specific nature of search regions, transitions between their boundaries and completely dependent on the problem. The proposed method is tested on IEEE 30-bus system and 75-bus Indian practical system and compared with GSA, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The results show that, fuzzification of the gravitational constant, improve search behavior, solution quality and reduced computational time compared against standard constant parameter algorithms.     

基于遗传算法的TDOA/AOA定位系统的最优布站算法

摘 要：推导了TDOA/AOA混合定位算法产生的定位误差的克拉美－罗下界,提出了利用遗传算法（GA）寻找规定平面区域内的TDOA/AOA定位系统最佳布站策略的方法,其所遵循的最佳布站原则是使得定位的目标空间的定位误差的克拉美－罗下界的平均值最小。文中对GA的站点位置编码和适应度函数的选择进行了研究,在此基础上提出了基于GA的寻优布站算法。并对基于GA的寻优布站算法在不同情况下进行了仿真实验。     

Comparison of particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm for FACTS-based controller design

Recently, genetic algorithms (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique have attracted considerable attention among various modern heuristic optimization techniques. The GA has been popular in academia and the industry mainly because of its intuitiveness, ease of implementation, and the ability to effectively solve highly non-linear, mixed integer optimization problems that are typical of complex engineering systems. PSO technique is a relatively recent heuristic search method whose mechanics are inspired by the swarming or collaborative behavior of biological populations. Since the two approaches are supposed to find a solution to a given objective function but employ different strategies and computational effort, it is appropriate to compare their performance. This paper presents the application and performance comparison of PSO and GA optimization techniques, for flexible ac transmission system (FACTS)-based controller design. The design objective is to enhance the power system stability. The design problem of the FACTS-based controller is formulated as an optimization problem and both PSO and GA optimization techniques are employed to search for optimal controller parameters. The performance of both optimization techniques in terms of computational effort, computational time and convergence rate is compared. Further, the optimized controllers are tested on a weakly connected power system subjected to different disturbances over a wide range of loading conditions and parameter variations and their performance is compared with the conventional power system stabilizer (CPSS). The eigenvalue analysis and non-linear simulation results are presented and compared to show the effectiveness of both the techniques in designing a FACTS-based controller, to enhance power system stability.     

Dynamic multi-objective evolution of classifier ensembles for video face recognition

Due to a limited control over changing operational conditions and personal physiology, systems used for video-based face recognition are confronted with complex and changing pattern recognition environments. Although a limited amount of reference data is initially available during enrollment, new samples often become available over time, through re-enrollment, post analysis and labeling of operational data, etc. Adaptive multi-classifier systems (AMCSs) are therefore desirable for the design and incremental update of facial models. For real time recognition of individuals appearing in video sequences, facial regions are captured with one or more cameras, and an AMCS must perform fast and efficient matching against the facial model of individual enrolled to the system. In this paper, an incremental learning strategy based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to efficiently evolve heterogeneous classifier ensembles in response to new reference data. This strategy is applied to an AMCS where all parameters of a pool of fuzzy ARTMAP (FAM) neural network classifiers (i.e., a swarm of classifiers), each one corresponding to a particle, are co-optimized such that both error rate and network size are minimized. To provide a high level of accuracy over time while minimizing the computational complexity, the AMCS integrates information from multiple diverse classifiers, where learning is guided by an aggregated dynamical niching PSO (ADNPSO) algorithm that optimizes networks according both these objectives. Moreover, pools of FAM networks are evolved to maintain (1) genotype diversity of solutions around local optima in the optimization search space and (2) phenotype diversity in the objective space. Accurate and low cost ensembles are thereby designed by selecting classifiers on the basis of accuracy, and both genotype and phenotype diversity. For proof-of-concept validation, the proposed strategy is compared to AMCSs where incremental learning of FAM networks is guided through mono- and multi-objective optimization. Performance is assessed in terms of video-based error rate and resource requirements under different incremental learning scenarios, where new data is extracted from real-world video streams (IIT-NRC and MoBo). Simulation results indicate that the proposed strategy provides a level of accuracy that is comparable to that of using mono-objective optimization and reference face recognition systems, yet requires a fraction of the computational cost (between 16% and 20% of a mono-objective strategy depending on the data base and scenario).     

A hybrid OC–GA approach for fast and global truss optimization with frequency constraints

The truss optimization constrained with vibration frequencies is a highly nonlinear and more computational cost problem. To speed up the convergence and obtain the global solution of this problem, a hybrid optimality criterion (OC) and genetic algorithm (GA) method for truss optimization is presented in this paper. Firstly, the OC method is developed for multiple frequency constraints. Then, the most efficient variables are identified by sensitivity analysis and modified as iteration scheme. Finally, OC method, serving as a local search operator, is integrated with GA. The numerical results verify that the hybrid method provides powerful ability in searching for more optimal solution and reducing computational effort.