ntm1169@dsac.dla.mil (Mott Given) (06/12/91)
SPLICER ORDERING INFORMATION ********************************************************************** *** Please note: You must be Government affiliated or a Contractor *** *** of the U.S. Govt. to receive software from the *** *** STB Help Desk. Any other users wanting STB *** *** software must purchase it through COSMIC which *** *** can be reached at: *** *** COSMIC *** *** 382 E. Broad St. *** *** Athens, GA 30602 *** *** (404) 542-3265 *** ********************************************************************** 1. You must register with the STB Help Desk by sending the following information along with the correct media! Name: Company or Govt. Organization: Address: Address: 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Mott Given @ Defense Logistics Agency Systems Automation Center, DSAC-TMP, Bldg. 27-1, P.O. Box 1605, Columbus, OH 43216-5002 INTERNET: mgiven@dsac.dla.mil UUCP: ...{osu-cis}!dsac!mgiven Phone: 614-238-9431 AUTOVON: 850-9431 FAX: 614-238-9928 I speak for myself