This book covers four optimisation techniques loosely classified as "intelligent": genetic algorithms, tabu search, simulated annealing and neural networks. Genetic algorithms (GAs) 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 finds 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...