Multi-Modal Search with Convex Bounding Neighbourhood

This paper presents a new dynamic method of subpopulation in solving multi-modal search problems with evolutionary algorithms. The new method identify the modes found at each generation and equalises the subpopulation sizes assigned to each mode. Modes are identified sequentially starting with the highest fitness mode. Mode membership is determined by successive grouping of fitness dominated convex bounding neighbours, starting from the fittest individual. This new dynamic modal subpopulation approach is able to find a representative sample of optima for multi-modal landscape with infinite number of global and local optima with uneven heights and non-uniform distribution. The algorithm also facilitates parallel implementation