Generator:

GENERATOR is a GENETIC ALGORITHM package designed to interact with Microsoft Excel for Windows. Users are able to define and solve problems using Excel formulas, tables and functions. FITNESS is easily defined as an Excel formula or optionally a macro. Progress can be monitored using GENERATOR's real-time fitness graph and status window as well as user-defined Excel graphs. GENERATOR can be paused at any time to allow adjustment of any of the parameters and then resumed.

GENERATOR Features:

• Multiple GENE types: integer, real and permutation.

• Combined roulette-wheel and elitist SELECTION method.

• ELITISM is optional and adjustable.

• None, two-point, and a proprietary permutation CROSSOVER.

• Random, Random Hillclimb and Directional Hillclimb MUTATION methods.

• Special hillclimbing features to find solutions faster.

• fitness goal: maximize, minimize or seek value.

• Convergence: duplicates not allowed.

• Real-Time alteration of parameters relating to crossover, mutation, POPULATION, etc.

• Real-Time progress graph of Best, Worst and Median fitness.

• fitness defined using an Excel formula or macro.

The parameters available to the user include mutation probability for population and genes, control of mutation limit per gene, control of hillclimbing, population size, elite group size, RECOMBINATION method, and mutation technique.

Connecting generator to problems defined on the Excel spreadsheet is achieved by first specifying the spreadsheet locations of the gene group cells and their type, and lastly, the location of the formula used to evaluate the problem-specific fitness function.

GENERATOR requires at least a 386 IBM compatible PC with 2 MB of RAM, Windows 3.0 (or later) and Microsoft Excel 4.0 (or later). A comprehensive manual includes an explanation of genetic algorithms and several tutorial example problems. The $379 package.includes GENERATOR on a 3.5" diskette, the manual, and free customer support.

For further information or to order, contact: New Light Industries, Ltd.; 9713 W. Sunset Hwy; Spokane, WA USA 99204 Tel: (509) 456-8321; Fax (509) 456-8351; E-mail: <nli@comtch.iea.com> WWW page: http://www.iea.com/~nli