On setting the parameters of quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm for practical application

In this paper, some guidelines for setting the parameters of quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithm (QEA) are presented. QEA is based on the concept and principles of quantum computing, such as a quantum bit and superposition of states. However, QEA is not a quantum algorithm, but a novel evolutionary algorithm. Like other evolutionary algorithms, QEA is also characterized by the representation of the individual, the evaluation function, and the population dynamics. From recent research on the knapsack problem, the results of QEA are better than those of CGA (conventional GA). Although the performance of QEA is excellent, there is relatively little or no research on the effects of different settings for its parameters. This paper describes some guidelines for setting these parameters. The guidelines are drawn up based on extensive experiments carried out for a class of combinatorial and numerical optimization problems. Through the guidelines, the performance of QEA can be maximized.