Configuring ZCS for Continuous-Valued Single-Step Boolean Problems

In this paper we investigate the performance and operation of a Learning Classifier System on problems with real-valued states and a Boolean action space. Specifically, we study aspects of the algorithm and parameter set of the simple strength-based Learning Classifier System used, ZCS. Increased performance is found to result from the use of an update algorithm based on that of NewBoole, an earlier strength-based Learning Classifier System and a new operator, specialize, is introduced and found to be effective in combatting overgeneral classifiers. The modified algorithm and parameter set is tested on several variants of three continuous-valued test problems with excellent results obtained with this simple Learning Classifier System algorithm.