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Automated Generation of Diverse and Efficient Heuristics Using Large Language Models


Core Concepts
A novel multi-objective evolutionary framework, Multi-objective Evolution of Heuristic (MEoH), leverages large language models to automatically generate a diverse set of heuristics that balance optimal performance and efficiency.
Abstract

The paper proposes a multi-objective evolutionary framework, Multi-objective Evolution of Heuristic (MEoH), to automatically generate a diverse set of heuristics that balance optimal performance and efficiency.

Key highlights:

  • MEoH models the heuristic design as a multi-objective optimization problem, considering both optimal performance and efficiency as objectives.
  • A novel dominance-dissimilarity mechanism is introduced to guide the search process, effectively navigating the complex and discrete heuristic search space.
  • MEoH is demonstrated on two combinatorial optimization problems, the online Bin Packing Problem (BPP) and the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP).
  • Results show that MEoH can generate a diverse set of heuristics with better trade-offs between optimal performance and efficiency compared to existing single-objective approaches.
  • The multi-objective search also leads to the discovery of novel heuristics with unique insights.
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Stats
The heuristics generated by MEoH can reduce the running time by up to 10 times compared to existing methods while achieving similar optimal performance.
Quotes
"MEoH systematically takes into account both the optimal gap and running time. As a result, MEoH achieves notably higher HV and lower IGD, indicating significantly better multi-objective trade-off results." "For larger instances (200 to 1,002 nodes), MEoH still outperforms in running time, although slightly lagging behind EoH in terms of the optimal gap."

Key Insights Distilled From

by Shunyu Yao, ... at arxiv.org 09-26-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.16867.pdf
Multi-objective Evolution of Heuristic Using Large Language Model

Deeper Inquiries

How can the dominance-dissimilarity mechanism be further improved to better navigate the complex heuristic search space?

The dominance-dissimilarity mechanism can be enhanced by incorporating additional metrics that capture the nuances of heuristic performance and diversity. One potential improvement is the integration of a multi-faceted similarity measure that goes beyond code structure to include semantic similarity. This could involve using natural language processing techniques to analyze the descriptions of heuristics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of their functional similarities and differences. Additionally, incorporating adaptive weighting for the dominance and dissimilarity scores based on the current state of the population could help prioritize exploration in underrepresented areas of the search space. This adaptive approach would allow the mechanism to dynamically adjust its focus, promoting diversity when the population becomes homogenous and emphasizing convergence when a promising region is identified. Furthermore, leveraging ensemble learning techniques could provide a more robust assessment of heuristic performance by aggregating multiple evaluation criteria, thus refining the selection process for parent heuristics.

What other practical criteria beyond optimal performance and efficiency could be considered in the multi-objective heuristic design?

In addition to optimal performance and efficiency, several other practical criteria can be integrated into multi-objective heuristic design. One such criterion is robustness, which measures a heuristic's performance consistency across various problem instances and conditions. This is particularly important in real-world applications where problem characteristics may vary significantly. Another criterion is scalability, which assesses how well a heuristic performs as the problem size increases. This is crucial for ensuring that heuristics remain effective in larger, more complex scenarios. Maintainability and readability of the code are also vital, as they influence the ease with which heuristics can be modified or extended by practitioners. Finally, resource consumption, including memory usage and computational overhead, should be considered to ensure that heuristics are not only effective but also practical for deployment in resource-constrained environments.

How can the insights gained from the diverse heuristics discovered by MEoH be leveraged to inspire novel heuristic design principles?

The diverse heuristics generated by the Multi-objective Evolution of Heuristic (MEoH) framework can provide valuable insights that inform the development of novel heuristic design principles. By analyzing the characteristics and performance trade-offs of the heuristics in the Pareto front, researchers can identify patterns and strategies that lead to effective solutions across different problem domains. For instance, understanding the specific combinations of design features that contribute to both optimal performance and efficiency can guide the formulation of new heuristics. Additionally, the exploration of the search space through MEoH can reveal previously unconsidered approaches or hybrid strategies that combine elements from multiple heuristics, fostering innovation. Furthermore, the insights gained can be documented as design guidelines or best practices, serving as a foundation for future heuristic development efforts. This iterative learning process not only enhances the theoretical understanding of heuristic design but also promotes practical advancements in solving complex optimization problems.
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