The MathWorks Unveils New Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox for MATLAB

Toolbox Extends MATLAB Based Optimization Tools

NATICK, Mass., April 5, 2004 -- The MathWorks today introduced its new Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox for use with MATLAB(R). The Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox extends MATLAB by providing new methods to address additional problem types in the area of optimization. Engineers and scientists are constantly looking for approaches to find optimal solutions, perform tradeoff analysis, balance multiple design alternatives, and quickly incorporate optimization methods in their algorithms and models. The Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox helps them achieve these goals by making optimization technology more accessible through graphical user interfaces and structured command line tools.

"The easy-to-use graphical interface and comprehensive application programming interface has helped to enhance our implementation process and direct search methods," said Dennis A. Dean II, senior programmer, biomathematical modeling unit, division of sleep medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School. "I can now concentrate my efforts on model building, which is the heart of our group's work, and assessing what the optimized parameters mean biologically to the problem at hand."

With the new Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox, The MathWorks continues to expand the range of problems MATLAB can address. The toolbox serves as a central access point for the tools required to use genetic and direct search algorithms. Users can learn from and build customized optimization routines as needed. Additional key features include:

-- Graphical user interfaces and command-line functions for quickly setting up problems, setting algorithm options, monitoring progress, and refining optimization;

-- Genetic algorithm tools with numerous options for creation, fitness scaling, selection, crossover, and mutation;

-- Direct search tools for defining mesh size, polling technique, and search method;

-- Functions for displaying run-time visualizations and other custom controls; and,

-- Automatic generation of MATLAB code for reuse or automating routines.

"With MATLAB and its toolboxes, we provide an integrated environment for optimization, including a programming language and framework that help to quickly define model components, a deep set of optimization methods and algorithms, and tools for post-processing and analyzing results," said Russ Minkwitz, product manager at The MathWorks. "With the Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox, users now have an option to address problems that are difficult to solve with traditional optimization techniques, including problems that are not well defined, noisy, difficult to model mathematically, or discontinuous."

Pricing and Availability

The Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox requires MATLAB and the Optimization Toolbox and is available immediately for Windows, UNIX/Linux, and Macintosh systems. Pricing starts at $700 U.S.

About The MathWorks

The MathWorks is the world's leading developer of technical computing software for engineers and scientists in industry, government, and education. With an extensive product set based on MATLAB and Simulink(R), The MathWorks provides software and services to solve challenging problems and accelerate innovation in automotive, aerospace, communications, financial services, biotechnology, electronics, instrumentation, process, and other industries.

The MathWorks was founded in 1984 and employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts. For additional information, visit http://www.mathworks.com.

MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Handle Graphics, and Real-Time Workshop are registered trademarks, and TargetBox is a trademark of The MathWorks, Inc. Other product or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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     Dave Smith                              Sarah Coyle
     The MathWorks, Inc.                     SHIFT Communications
     (508) 647-7427                          (617) 681-1245
     daves@mathworks.com                     scoyle@shiftcomm.com



SOURCE The MathWorks
Web Site: http://www.mathworks.com