Visualization of evolutionary computation processes from a population perspective

Abstract

The authors investigate a visualization framework for genetic algorithm, to express the evolutionary processes. Our framework differs from most existing methods in that it visualizes evolutionary processes from a population viewpoint, rather than chromosomal or problem spaces. A simple sexual selection model is used for demonstration purposes. We propose four visualization methods that are based on the framework. Those tools show how evolutionary trends and population characteristics are visually depicted. The framework is both user-friendly and extendable to other problems and models that address population changes over time.