Abstract

It can be argued that in order to produce a substantial improvement in multi-objective estimation of distribution algorithms it is necessary to focus on a particular group of issues, in particular, on the weaknesses derived from multi-objective fitness assignment and selection methods, the incorrect treatment of relevant but isolated (precursor) individuals; the loss of population diversity, and the use of 'general purpose' modeling algorithms without taking note of the particular requirements of the task. In this work we introduce the S-Metric Selection Estimation of Distribution Algorithm based on Multivariate Extension of Copulas (SMS-EDA-MEC). SMS-EDA-MEC was devised with the intention of dealing with those issues in mind. It builds the population model relying on the comprehensive Clayton's copula and incorporates methods for automatic population restarting and for priming precursor individuals. The experimental studies presented show that SMS-EDA-MEC yields better results than current and 'traditional' approaches.