Combining Key-Points-Based Transfer Learning and Hybrid Prediction Strategies for Dynamic Multi-Objective Optimization

Dynamic multi-objective optimization problems (DMOPs) have been of interest to many researchers. These are problems in which the environment changes during the evolutionary process, such as the Pareto-optimal set (POS) or the Pareto-optimal front (POF). This kind of problem imposes more challenges and difficulties for evolutionary algorithms, mainly because it demands population to track the changing POF efficiently and accurately. In this paper, we propose a new approach combining key-points-based transfer learning and hybrid prediction strategies (KPTHP). In particular, the transfer process combines predictive strategy with obtaining anticipated key points depending on the previous moments to acquire the optimal individuals at the new instance during the evolution. Additionally, center-point-based prediction is used to complement transfer learning to comprehensively generate initial populations. KPTHP and six state-of-the-art algorithms are tested on various test functions for MIGD, DMIGD, MMS, and HVD metrics. KPTHP obtains superior results on most of the tested functions, which shows that our algorithm performs excellently in both convergence and diversity, with more competitiveness in addressing dynamic problems.