New IlliGAL Reports Announcement

[Martin Pelikan <pelikan@illigal.ge.uiuc.edu>]

The Illinois Genetic Algorithms Laboratory (IlliGAL) is pleased to
announce the publication of the following new technical reports.
 
Most IlliGAL technical reports, as well as reprints of other
publications, are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the
IlliGAL librarian, (see below for ordering information).  The technical
reports in this announcement are also available electronically on our
ftp and WWW servers (see the end of this announcement for ftp and WWW
access instructions). 

 
========================

IlliGAL Report No 99021

An Implementation of the XCS Classifier System in C

Martin Butz
   
Abstract:
The XCS classifier system was developed by Wilson (1995). The learning
mechanism is based on the accuracy of its reward prediction. This method
leads to the formation of accurate most general classifiers. This paper
explains how to download, compile and use the XCS code version 1.0
written in ANSI C. It discusses how to select various parameter
settings, how to add and remove certain procedures in the XCS, how to
apply the XCS in the multiplexer environment and diverse woods
environments, and how to add code to apply the XCS in other
environments. The code provides the mechanisms introduced by Wilson
(1995) and the enhancements published by Wilson (1998). 

========================

IlliGAL Report No 99022

Optimal Classifier System Performance in Non-Markov Environments 

Pier Luca Lanzi and Stewart W. Wilson 

Abstract:
Wilson's (1994) bit-register memory scheme was incorporated into the XCS
classifier system and investigated in a series of non-Markov
environments. Two extensions to the scheme proved important for reaching
optimal performance in the harder environments. The first was an
exploration strategy in which exploration of external actions was
probabilistic as in Markov environments, but internal "actions"
(register settings) were selected deterministically. The second was use
of a register having more bit-positions than were strictly necessary to
resolve environmental aliasing. The origins and effects of the two
extensions are discussed. 

========================

IlliGAL Report No 2000001

Bayesian Optimization Algorithm, Population Sizing, and Time to
Convergence 

Martin Pelikan, David E. Goldberg, and Erick Cantú-Paz 

Abstract:
This paper analyzes convergence properties of the Bayesian optimization
algorithm (BOA). It settles the BOA into the framework of problem
decomposition used frequently in order to model and understand the
behavior of simple genetic algorithms. The growth of the population size
and the number of generations until convergence with respect to the size
of a problem is theoretically analyzed. The theoretical results are
supported by a number of experiments. 

========================

IlliGAL Report No 2000002

Hierarchical Problem Solving by the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm 

Martin Pelikan, David E. Goldberg, and Erick Cantú-Paz 

Abstract:
The paper discusses three major issues. First, it discusses why it makes
sense to approach problems in a hierarchical fashion. It defines the
class of hierarchically decomposable functions that can be used to test
the algorithms that approach problems in this fashion. Finally, the
Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) is extended in order to solve the
proposed class of problems. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

RETRIEVAL/ORDERING:
 
   The above IlliGAL reports and publications, along with other 
   publications and source code, are available electronically via FTP or 
   WWW, or as hardcopy directly from us:
 
     FTP:    ftp ftp-illigal.ge.uiuc.edu
             login:  anonymous  
             password:  (your email address)
             cd /pub/papers/IlliGALs  (for reports)   or
             cd /pub/papers/Publications (for preprints) or
             cd /pub/src  (for GA and classifier system source code)
             binary
             get 99022.ps.Z                    (for example) 
 
    Please look at the README files for explanations of what the file 
    names mean.  IlliGAL reports are all compressed postscript files.  
 
     WWW:           To access the IlliGAL home page, open
                    http://www-illigal.ge.uiuc.edu/
 
     HARDCOPY:
 
    You can also order hardcopy versions of most IlliGAL publications
    Use the order form in the web or request them directly 
    (by IlliGAL number or title) from the IlliGAL librarian:
 
     Internet:  library@illigal.ge.uiuc.edu  Phone:  217/333-2346 
                                             Fax:    217/244-5705 
     Surface mail:   IlliGAL Librarian 
                     Department of General Engineering 
                     117 Transportation Building 
                     104 South Mathews Avenue 
                     Urbana, IL 61801-2996       USA  
 
    When ordering hardcopy, please include your surface mail address!  
 
----------------------------------------------
 Martin Pelikan
 Illinois Genetic Algorithms Laboratory
 University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
 117 Transportation Building 
 104 S. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
 tel: (217) 333-2346, fax: (217) 244-5705
----------------------------------------------