ntm1169@dsac.dla.mil (Mott Given) (06/12/91)
SPLICER
ORDERING INFORMATION
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Johnson Space Center
SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY BRANCH
COSMIC
382 E. Broad St.
Athens, GA 30602
(404) 542-3265
SPLICER
A Genetic Algorithm Tool for Search and Optimization
Splicer is a genetic algorithm tool that can be used to solve search and
optimization problems. Splicer was created by the Software Technology
Branch of the Information Systems Directorate at NASA/Johnson Space Center
(JSC) with support from the MITRE Corporation. The key features of Splicer
are:
**Modular Architecture: Splicer 1.0 was developed using a modular
architecture that includes a Genetic Algorithm Kernel, interchangeable
Representation Libraries, Fitness Modules, and User Interface Libraries,
and well-defined interfaces between these components. This architecture
and well-defined interfaces between these components. This architecture
supports portability, flexibility, and extensibility, as described more
fully below.
**Portability: Splicer was developed using C, for portability and speed,
originally on an Apple Macintosh and has been subsequently ported to
UNIX workstations (Sun 3 and 4; IBM RS6000) using X Windows. The Genetic
Algorithm Kernel, Representation Libraries, and Fitness Modules are
completely portable. The X Window interface can be used on any
workstation supporting X 11 and the HP Widget Set (Xw; distributed free
with X11). Splicer comes with all source code.
**Genetic Algorithm Kernel: A genetic algorithm kernel was developed that
is independent of representation (i.e., problem encoding), fitness
function, or user interface type. The GA kernel comprises all functions
necessary for the manipulation of populations. These functions include
the creation of populations and population members, the iterative
population model, fitness scaling, parent selection and sampling, and
the generation of population statistics. In addition, miscellaneous
functions are included in the kernel (e.g., random number generators).
**Representation Libraries: Different problem-encoding schemes and
functions are defined and stored in interchangeable representation
functions are defined and stored in interchangeable representation
libraries. This allows the GA kernel to be used for any representation
scheme. Al present, the Splicer tool provides representation libraries
for binary strings and for permutations. These libraries contain
functions for the definition, creation, and decoding of genetic
strings, as well as multiple crossover and mutation operators.
Furthermore, the Splicer tool defines the appropriate interfaces to
allow users to create new representation libraries.
**Fitness Modules: Fitness functions are defined and stored in
interchangeable fitness modules. Fitness modules are the only component
of the Splicer system a user will normally be required to create or
alter to solve a particular problem. Within a fitness module, a user can
create a fitness (or scoring) function, SCl the initial values for
various Splicer control parameters (e.g., population size), create a
function which graphically displays the best solutions as they are
found, and provide descriptive information about the problem. The tool
comes with several example fitness modules.
**User Interface Libraries: Splicer provides two user interface libraries:
a Macintosh user interface and an X Window System user interface These
user interfaces are event-driven and provide graphic output in windows.
(A character-based, menu-driven interface is also available, but is not
(A character-based, menu-driven interface is also available, but is not
fully supported.)
**Applications: Stand-alone Splicer applications can be used to solve
problems without any need for computer programming. Several examples are
provided. However, to create a Splicer application for a particular
problem, a Fitness Module must be created using the C programming
language. The process of developing a Fitness Module is fully discussed
in the accompanying documentation.
**Fully Documented: Splicer comes with extensive documentation including a
Reference Manual and a User's Manual. An Architecture Manual and the
Advanced Programmer's Manual are being written.
**Availability: Splicer version 1.0 is currently available. Splicer is free
to NASA and its contractors for use on government projects by calling
the Software Technology Branch Help Desk between the hours of 9:00 AM to
4:00 PM (CST) Monday through Friday at (713) 280-2233. Government
contractors should have their contract monitor call the Software
Technology Branch Help desk to obtain Splicer. Others may purchase
Splicer (including all documentation) from COSMIC at a nominal fee for
unlimited copies with no royalties. An electronic bulletin board
containing information regarding Splicer can be reached 24 hours a day
**Applications: Stand-alone Splicer applications can be used to solve
problems without any need for computer programming. Several examples are
provided. However, to create a Splicer application for a particular
problem, a Fitness Module must be created using the C programming
language. The process of developing a Fitness Module is fully discussed
in the accompanying documentation.
**Fully Documented: Splicer comes with extensive documentation including a
Reference Manual and a User's Manual. An Architecture Manual and the
Advanced Programmer's Manual are being written.
**Availability: Splicer version 1.0 is currently available. Splicer is free
to NASA and its contractors for use on government projects by calling
the Software Technology Branch Help Desk between the hours of 9:00 AM to
4:00 PM (CST) Monday through Friday at (713) 280-2233. Government
contractors should have their contract monitor call the Software
Technology Branch Help desk to obtain Splicer. Others may purchase
Splicer (including all documentation) from COSMIC at a nominal fee for
unlimited copies with no royalties. An electronic bulletin board
containing information regarding Splicer can be reached 24 hours a day
at (713) 280-3896 or (713) 280-3892. Communications information is 300,
1200, or 2400 baud, no Parity 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.
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