Bat algorithm
Encyclopedia
Bat-inspired algorithm is a metaheuristic
search optimization
developed by Xin-She Yang in 2010. This bat algorithm is based on the echolocation behaviour of microbats with varying pulse rates of emission and loudness.
can be summarized as follows: Each virtual bat flies randomly with a velocity
at position (solution) 
with a varying frequency or wavelength and loudness 
. As it searches and finds
its prey, it changes frequency, loudness and pulse emission rate
. Search is intensified by a local random walk
. Selection of the best continues until certain stop criteria are met.
A detailed introduction of metaheuristic algorithms including the bat algorithm is given by Yang where a demo program in Matlab/Octave is available, while a comprehensive review is carried out by Parpinelli and Lopes.
Metaheuristic
In computer science, metaheuristic designates a computational method that optimizes a problem by iteratively trying to improve a candidate solution with regard to a given measure of quality. Metaheuristics make few or no assumptions about the problem being optimized and can search very large spaces...
search optimization
Optimization
Optimization or optimality may refer to:* Mathematical optimization, the theory and computation of extrema or stationary points of functionsEconomics and business* Optimality, in economics; see utility and economic efficiency...
developed by Xin-She Yang in 2010. This bat algorithm is based on the echolocation behaviour of microbats with varying pulse rates of emission and loudness.
Algorithm Description
The idealization of echolocationEcholocation
Echolocation may refer to:* Acoustic location, the general use of sound to locate objects* Animal echolocation, non-human animals emitting sound waves and listening to the echo in order to locate objects or navigate...
can be summarized as follows: Each virtual bat flies randomly with a velocity
at position (solution) with a varying frequency or wavelength and loudness . As it searches and findsits prey, it changes frequency, loudness and pulse emission rate
. Search is intensified by a local random walkRandom walk
A random walk, sometimes denoted RW, is a mathematical formalisation of a trajectory that consists of taking successive random steps. For example, the path traced by a molecule as it travels in a liquid or a gas, the search path of a foraging animal, the price of a fluctuating stock and the...
. Selection of the best continues until certain stop criteria are met.
A detailed introduction of metaheuristic algorithms including the bat algorithm is given by Yang where a demo program in Matlab/Octave is available, while a comprehensive review is carried out by Parpinelli and Lopes.