EPanel 2.0: The Visualization Tool for Combinatorial Optimization and Deployment Problem
Chia-Yun Yang, Lisheng Yang, Shu–Yu Kuo, Yao–Hsin Chou · 2018
Metaheuristic algorithms are used to solve complex optimization problems, including numerical optimization problems and combinatorial optimization problems. Currently, many applications exist to help users learn how algorithms work on numerical optimization problems, however, there are no applications offering the same tool for combinatorial optimization problems. Combinatorial optimization problems usually have high dimensionality making them very difficult to analyze. Therefore, this study proposes a novel and useful tool, EPanel 2.0, to display the process of metaheuristic algorithms solving not only numerical optimization problems but also combinatorial optimization problems. EPanel 2.0 is implemented in JAVA, making it executable in multiple operating systems. EPanel 2.0 has a clear user interface, provides an animated representation of the process, and also showing solutions in different ways on different situation. EPanel 2.0 allows users to easily analyze each step of the algorithm. In conclusion, EPanel 2.0 is a useful application help researcher solving complex optimization problems.