Problem Solving with Optimization Networks

Abstract

previously seemed, since they can be successfully applied to only a limited number of problems exhibiting special, amenable properties. Combinatorial optimization, neural networks, mean eld annealing. i optimization networks Key words: Summary I am greatly indebted to my supervisor, Richard Prager, for initially allowing me the freedom to explore various research areas, and subsequently providing invaluable support as my work progressed. Members of the Speech, Vision and Robotics Group at the Cambridge University Department of Engineering have provided a stimulating and friendly environment to work in: special thanks must go to Patrick Gosling and Tony Robinson for maintaining a superb computing service, and to Sree Aiyer for both setting me on the right course and for numerous helpful discussions since then. I would like to thank the Science and Engineering Research Council of Great Britain, the Cambridge University Department of Engineering and Queen