Stochastic comparison algorithm for discrete optimization with estimation of time-varying objective functions

In this paper, the optimization of time-varying objective functions, known only through estimates, is considered. Recent research defined algorithms for static optimization problems. Based on one of these algorithms, we derive an optimization scheme for the time-varying case. In stochastic optimization problems, convergence of an algorithm to the optimum prevents the algorithm from being efficiently adaptive to changes of the objective function if it is time-varying. So, convergence cannot be required in a time-varying scenario. Rather, we require convergence to the optimum with high probability together with a satisfactory dynamical behavior. Analytical and simulative results illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm compared with other optimization techniques.