Patent ID: 6886003

Claim:
A method for controlling performance of a machine controlled by at least one control module having an input-output relationship regulated by control parameters, said method comprising the steps of: (a) configuring a first generation of chromosomes coding for the control parameters by preselecting genes constituting the first generation of chromosomes from a selection space used as a gene pool, and activating the machine using the first generation of chromosomes, said genes being defined by coordinates in the selection space; (b) selecting and scoring adapted chromosome(s) by evaluating each chromosome based on signals indicative of performance of the machine; (c) setting a search area in the selection space in accordance with the score(s) under predetermined rules; (d) selecting genes for a subsequent generation of chromosomes within the search area, and operating the machine using the subsequent generation of chromosomes; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d) while operating the machine until desired performance of the machine is demonstrated, wherein the coordinates and/or the size of the search area in the selection space are changed in accordance with the score(s) of the adapted chromosome(s).