This book covers four optimisation techniques loosely classified as intelligent:
genetic algorithms, tabu search, simulated annealing and neural networks.
Genetic algorithms locate optima using processes similar to those in natural
selection and genetics. Tabu search is a heuristic procedure that employs
dynamically generated constraints or tabus to guide the search for optimum
solutions. Simulated annealing find optima in a way analogous to the reaching of
minimum energy configurations in metal annealing. Neural networks are
computational models of the brain. Certain types of neural networks can be used
for optimisation by exploiting their inherent ability to evolve in the direction
of the negative gradient of an energy function and