139 research outputs found
More effective randomized search heuristics for graph coloring through dynamic optimization
Dynamic optimization problems have gained significant attention in evolutionary computation as evolutionary algorithms (EAs) can easily adapt to changing environments. We show that EAs can solve the graph coloring problem for bipartite graphs more efficiently by using dynamic optimization. In our approach the graph instance is given incrementally such that the EA can reoptimize its coloring when a new edge introduces a conflict. We show that, when edges are inserted in a way that preserves graph connectivity, Randomized Local Search (RLS) efficiently finds a proper 2-coloring for all bipartite graphs. This includes graphs for which RLS and other EAs need exponential expected time in a static optimization scenario. We investigate different ways of building up the graph by popular graph traversals such as breadth-first-search and depth-first-search and analyse the resulting runtime behavior. We further show that offspring populations (e. g. a (1 + λ) RLS) lead to an exponential speedup in λ. Finally, an island model using 3 islands succeeds in an optimal time of Θ(m) on every m-edge bipartite graph, outperforming offspring populations. This is the first example where an island model guarantees a speedup that is not bounded in the number of islands
Analysis of Evolutionary Algorithms in Dynamic and Stochastic Environments
Many real-world optimization problems occur in environments that change
dynamically or involve stochastic components. Evolutionary algorithms and other
bio-inspired algorithms have been widely applied to dynamic and stochastic
problems. This survey gives an overview of major theoretical developments in
the area of runtime analysis for these problems. We review recent theoretical
studies of evolutionary algorithms and ant colony optimization for problems
where the objective functions or the constraints change over time. Furthermore,
we consider stochastic problems under various noise models and point out some
directions for future research.Comment: This book chapter is to appear in the book "Theory of Randomized
Search Heuristics in Discrete Search Spaces", which is edited by Benjamin
Doerr and Frank Neumann and is scheduled to be published by Springer in 201
Parameterized Complexity Analysis of Randomized Search Heuristics
This chapter compiles a number of results that apply the theory of
parameterized algorithmics to the running-time analysis of randomized search
heuristics such as evolutionary algorithms. The parameterized approach
articulates the running time of algorithms solving combinatorial problems in
finer detail than traditional approaches from classical complexity theory. We
outline the main results and proof techniques for a collection of randomized
search heuristics tasked to solve NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems
such as finding a minimum vertex cover in a graph, finding a maximum leaf
spanning tree in a graph, and the traveling salesperson problem.Comment: This is a preliminary version of a chapter in the book "Theory of
Evolutionary Computation: Recent Developments in Discrete Optimization",
edited by Benjamin Doerr and Frank Neumann, published by Springe
Time complexity analysis of randomized search heuristics for the dynamic graph coloring problem
We contribute to the theoretical understanding of randomized search heuristics for dynamic problems. We consider the classical vertex coloring problem on graphs and investigate the dynamic setting where edges are added to the current graph. We then analyze the expected time for randomized search heuristics to recompute high quality solutions. The (1+1) Evolutionary Algorithm and RLS operate in a setting where the number of colors is bounded and we are minimizing the number of conflicts. Iterated local search algorithms use an unbounded color palette and aim to use the smallest colors and, consequently, the smallest number of colors. We identify classes of bipartite graphs where reoptimization is as hard as or even harder than optimization from scratch, i.e., starting with a random initialization. Even adding a single edge can lead to hard symmetry problems. However, graph classes that are hard for one algorithm turn out to be easy for others. In most cases our bounds show that reoptimization is faster than optimizing from scratch. We further show that tailoring mutation operators to parts of the graph where changes have occurred can significantly reduce the expected reoptimization time. In most settings the expected reoptimization time for such tailored algorithms is linear in the number of added edges. However, tailored algorithms cannot prevent exponential times in settings where the original algorithm is inefficient
Runtime analysis of randomized search heuristics for dynamic graph coloring
We contribute to the theoretical understanding of randomized search heuristics for dynamic problems. We consider the classical graph coloring problem and investigate the dynamic setting where edges are added to the current graph. We then analyze the expected time for randomized search heuristics to recompute high quality solutions. This includes the (1+1) EA and RLS in a setting where the number of colors is bounded and we are minimizing the number of conflicts as well as iterated local search algorithms that use an unbounded color palette and aim to use the smallest colors and - as a consequence - the smallest number of colors.
We identify classes of bipartite graphs where reoptimization is as hard as or even harder than optimization from scratch, i. e. starting with a random initialization. Even adding a single edge can lead to hard symmetry problems. However, graph classes that are hard for one algorithm turn out to be easy for others. In most cases our bounds show that reoptimization is faster than optimizing from scratch. Furthermore, we show how to speed up computations by using problem specific operators concentrating on parts of the graph where changes have occurred
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