fminsearchbnd, fminsearchcon

Bound constrained optimization using fminsearch
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Updated Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:55:54 +0000

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Fminsearch does not admit bound constraints.
However simple transformation methods exist to
convert a bound constrained problem into an
unconstrained problem.

Fminsearchbnd is used exactly like fminsearch,
except that bounds are applied to the variables.
The bounds are applied internally, using a
transformation of the variables. (Quadratic for
single bounds, sin(x) for dual bounds.)

The bounds are inclusive inequalities, which admit
the boundary values themselves, but will not permit
ANY function evaluations outside the bounds.

Note that fminsearchbnd allows the user to exactly fix a variable at some given value, by setting both bounds to the exact same value.

Example usage:
rosen = @(x) (1-x(1)).^2 + 105*(x(2)-x(1).^2).^2;

% unconstrained fminsearch solution
fminsearch(rosen,[3 3])
ans =
1.0000 1.0000

% Lower bounds, no upper bounds
fminsearchbnd(rosen,[2.5 2.5],[2 2],[])
ans =
2.0000 4.0000

Lower bounds on both vars, upper bound on x(2)
fminsearchbnd(rosen,[2.5 2.5],[2 2],[inf 3])
ans =
2.0000 3.0000

I've now included fminsearchcon in the package, a tool that also allows nonlinear constraints.

Cite As

John D'Errico (2024). fminsearchbnd, fminsearchcon (https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/8277-fminsearchbnd-fminsearchcon), MATLAB Central File Exchange. Retrieved .

MATLAB Release Compatibility
Created with R14SP1
Compatible with any release
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FMINSEARCHBND/demo/html/

Version Published Release Notes
1.4.0.0

Fixed outputfcn bug when fminsearch is never actually called

1.0.0.0

Bug fix - allow an OutputFcn to operate properly, providing the parameter values in the correct domain.