Optimum solution search method and optimum solution search apparatus as well as storage medium in which optimum solution search program is stored

Abstract

The invention provides a technique regarding an optimal solution search method suitable for use for optimization of a system, wherein genetic algorithms can be executed at a high speed to allow an optimal solution to a problem to be searched for at a high speed. The optimal solution search method wherein candidates for solution to a problem are represented as chromosomes which are arrangements of genes and genetic operations are performed for individual chromosomes for each generation to successively update the generation to search for an optimal solution to the problem based on fitness values calculated from gene arrangements of the chromosomes comprises the fitness value updating step of updating, for each of those chromosomes for which a particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, the fitness value based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] This invention relates to an optimal solution search method and an optimal solution search apparatus as well as a storage medium in which an optimal solution search program is stored, suitable for use for optimization of a system using genetic algorithms (GAs), and contemplates provision of a technique for allowing genetic algorithms to be executed at a high speed to allow a high speed search for an optimal solution to a problem.[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] In recent years, optimal solution search apparatus which search for an optimal solution to a problem using genetic algorithms conceived from a principle of biological evolution (selection (reproduction), mutation or crossover).[0005] An optimal solution search apparatus which employs genetic algorithms represents candidates for solution to a problem as chromosomes each of which is an arrangement of genes and performs various genetic operations for the chromosomes to success...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] The optimal solution search method according to the present invention is advantageous in that, since the time required for calculation processing of fitness values can be reduced, genetic algorithms can be executed at a high speed and an optimal solution to a problem can be searched at a high speed.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optimal solution search method wherein candidates for solution to a problem are represented as chromosomes which are arrangements of genes and genetic operations are performed for individual chromosomes for each generation to successively update the generation to search for an optimal solution to the problem based on fitness values calculated from gene arrangements of the chromosomes, the optimal solution search method comprising the schedule determination step of determining, prior to execution of those genetic operations which remain before the end of a generation, an execution schedule of the genetic operations to be performed for each of the chromosomes, the chromosome discrimination step of referring to the execution schedules determined by the schedule determination step to discriminate, for each of the chromosomes, whether or not the chromosome is a particular chromosome for which only a particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, and the fitness value updating step of updating, for each of those chromosomes which have been determined to be the particular chromosomes by the chromosome discrimination step, the fitness value based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation.

[0028] With the optimal solution search method of the present invention, for each particular chromosome for which only the particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, the fitness value is updated based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation. Consequently, the time required for calculation processing of fitness values can be reduced. Accordingly, the optimal solution search method is advantageous in that genetic algorithms can be executed at a high speed and an optimal solution to a problem can be searched at a high speed.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optimal solution search apparatus wherein candidates for solution to a problem are represented as chromosomes which are arrangements of genes and genetic operations are performed for individual chromosomes for each generation to successively update the generation to search for an optimal solution to the problem based on fitness values calculated from gene arrangements of the chromosomes, the optimal solution search apparatus comprising schedule determination means for determining, prior to execution of those genetic operations which remain before the end of a generation, an execution schedule of the genetic operations to be performed for each of the chromosomes, chromosome discrimination means for referring to the execution schedules determined by the schedule determination means to discriminate, for each of the chromosomes, whether or not the chromosome is a particular chromosome for which only a particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, and fitness value updating means for updating, for each of those chromosomes which have been determined to be the particular chromosomes by the chromosome discrimination means, the fitness value based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation.

[0037] With the optimal solution search apparatus of the present invention, for each particular chromosome for which only the particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, the fitness value is updated based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation. Consequently, the time required for calculation processing of fitness values can be reduced. Accordingly, the optimal solution search apparatus is advantageous in that genetic algorithms can be executed at a high speed and an optimal solution to a problem can be searched at a high speed.

[0039] With the storage medium which stores the optimal solution search program of the present invention, for each particular chromosome for which the particular genetic operation which allows a fitness value after execution thereof to be calculated readily making use of a fitness value before the execution thereof, the fitness value is updated based on variation information of the fitness value by execution of the particular genetic operation. Consequently, the time required for calculation processing of fitness values can be reduced. Accordingly, the storage medium which stores the optimal solution search program is advantageous in that genetic algorithms can be executed at a high speed and an optimal solution to a problem can be searched at a high speed.

Problems solved by technology

However, the optimal solution search apparatus has a subject to be solved in that, when genetic algorithms are executed, time is normally required most for calculation processing of fitness values.

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