UNU.RAN – Universal Non-Uniform RANdom number generators

UNU.RAN (Universal Non-Uniform RAndom Number generator) is a collection of algorithms for generating non-uniform pseudorandom variates as a library of C functions designed and implemented by the ARVAG (Automatic Random VAriate Generation) project group in Vienna, and released under the GNU Public License (GPL). It is especially designed for such situations where

Of course it is also well suited for standard distributions. However due to its more sophisticated programming interface it might not be as easy to use if you only look for a generator for the standard normal distribution. (Although UNU.RAN provides generators that are superior in many aspects to those found in quite a number of other libraries.)

UNU.RAN implements several methods for generating random numbers. The choice depends primary on the information about the distribution can be provided and – if the user is familar with the different methods – on the preferences of the user.

The design goals of UNU.RAN are to provide reliable, portable and robust (as far as this is possible) functions with a consisent and easy to use interface. It is suitable for all situation where experiments with different distributions including non-standard distributions. For example it is no problem to replace the normal distribution by an empirical distribution in a model.

Since originally designed as a library for so called black-box or universal algorithms its interface is different from other libraries. (Nevertheless it also contains special generators for standard distributions.) It does not provide subroutines for random variate generation for particular distributions. Instead it uses an object-oriented interface. Distributions and generators are treated as independent objects. This approach allows one not only to have different methods for generating non-uniform random variates. It is also possible to choose the method which is optimal for a given situation (e.g. speed, quality of random numbers, using for variance reduction techniques, etc.). It also allows to sample from non-standard distribution or even from distributions that arise in a model and can only be computed in a complicated subroutine.

Sampling from a particular distribution requires the following steps:

  1. Create a distribution object. (Objects for standard distributions are available in the library)
  2. Choose a method.
  3. Initialize the generator, i.e., create the generator object. If the choosen method is not suitable for the given distribution (or if the distribution object contains too little information about the distribution) the initialization routine fails and produces an error message. Thus the generator object does (probably) not produce false results (random variates of a different distribution).
  4. Use this generator object to sample from the distribution.

There are four types of objects that can be manipulated independently:

Table of Contents


1 Introduction


1.1 Usage of this document

We designed this document in a way such that one can use UNU.RAN with reading as little as necessary. Read Installation for the instructions to install the library. Concepts of UNU.RAN, discribes the basics of UNU.RAN. It also has a short guideline for choosing an appropriate method. In Examples examples are given that can be copied and modified. They also can be found in the directory examples in the source tree.

Further information are given in consecutive chapters. Handling distribution objects, describes how to create and manipulate distribution objects. standard distributions, describes predefined distribution objects that are ready to use. Methods for generating non-uniform random variates describes the various methods in detail. For each of possible distribution classes (continuous, discrete, empirical, multivariate) there exists a short overview section that can be used to choose an appropriate method followed by sections that describe each of the particular methods in detail. These are merely for users with some knowledge about the methods who want to change method-specific parameters and can be ignored by others.

Abbreviations and explanation of some basic terms can be found in Glossary.


1.2 Installation

UNU.RAN was developed on an Intel architecture under Linux with the GNU C compiler but should compile and run on any computing environment. It requires an ANSI compliant C compiler.

Below find the installation instructions for unices.

Uniform random number generator

UNU.RAN can be used with any uniform random number generator but (at the moment) some features work best with Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RngStreams library (see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/software/RngStreams/ for a description and downloading. For details on using uniform random number in UNU.RAN see Using uniform random number generators.

Install the required libraries first.

UNU.RAN

  1. First unzip and untar the package and change to the directory:
    tar zxvf unuran-1.11.0.tar.gz
    cd unuran-1.11.0
    
  2. Optional: Edit the file src/unuran_config.h
  3. Run a configuration script:
    sh ./configure --prefix=<prefix>
    

    where <prefix> is the root of the installation tree. When omitted /usr/local is used.

    Use ./configure --help to get a list of other options. In particular the following flags are important:

    • Enable support for some external sources of uniform random number generators (see Using uniform random number generators):
      --with-urng-rngstream

      URNG: use Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RNGSTREAM library [default=no]

      --with-urng-prng

      URNG: use Otmar Lendl’s PRNG library [default=no]

      --with-urng-gsl

      URNG: use random number generators from GNU Scientific Library [default=no]

      --with-urng-default

      URNG: global default URNG (builtin|rngstream) [default=builtin]

      We strongly recommend to use RngStreams library:

      sh ./configure --with-urng-rngstream --with-urng-default=rngstream
      

      Important: You must install the respective libraries RngStreams, PRNG and GSL before ./configure is executed.

    • Also make a shared library:
      --enable-shared

      build shared libraries [default=no]

    • The library provides the function unur_gen_info for information about generator objects. This is intented for using in interactive computing environments. This feature can be enabled / disabled by means of the configure flag
      --enable-info

      INFO: provide function with information about generator objects [default=yes]

    • Enable support for deprecated UNU.RAN routines if you have some problems with older application after upgrading the library:
      --enable-deprecated

      enable support for deprecated UNU.RAN routines [default=no]

    • Enable debugging tools:
      --enable-check-struct

      Debug: check validity of pointers to structures [default=no]

      --enable-logging

      Debug: print informations about generator into logfile [default=no]

  4. Compile and install the libray:
    make
    make install
    

    Obviously $(prefix)/include and $(prefix)/lib must be in the search path of your compiler. You can use environment variables to add these directories to the search path. If you are using the bash type (or add to your profile):

    export LIBRARY_PATH="<prefix>/lib"
    export C_INCLURE_PATH="<prefix>/include"
    

    If you want to make a shared library, then making such a library can be enabled using

    sh ./configure --enable-shared
    

    If you want to link against the shared library make sure that it can be found when executing the binary that links to the library. If it is not installed in the usual path, then the easiest way is to set the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. See any operating system documentation about shared libraries for more information, such as the ld(1) and ld.so(8) manual pages.

  5. Documentation in various formats (PDF, HTML, info, plain text) can be found in directory doc.
  6. You can run some tests by
    make check
    

    However, some of these tests requires the usage of the PRNG or RngStreams library and are only executed if these are installed enabled by the corresponding configure flag.

    An extended set of tests is run by

    make fullcheck
    

    However some of these might fail occasionally due to roundoff errors or the mysteries of floating point arithmetic, since we have used some extreme settings to test the library.

Upgrading

  • Important:

    UNU.RAN now relies on some aspects of IEEE 754 compliant floating point arithmetic. In particular, 1./0. and 0./0. must result in infinity and NaN (not a number), respectively, and must not cause a floating point exception. For allmost all modern compting architecture this is implemented in hardware. For others there should be a special compiler flag to get this feature (e.g., -MIEEE on DEC alpha or -mp for the Intel C complier).

  • Upgrading UNU.RAN from version 0.9.x or earlier:

    With UNU.RAN version 1.0.x some of the macro definitions in file src/unuran_config.h are moved into file config.h and are set/controlled by the ./configure script.

    Writting logging information into the logfile must now be enabled when running the configure script:

    sh ./configure --enable-logging
    
  • Upgrading UNU.RAN from version 0.7.x or earlier:

    With UNU.RAN version 0.8.0 the interface for changing underlying distributions and running a reinitialization routine has been simplified. The old routines can be compiled into the library using the following configure flag:

    sh ./configure --enable-deprecated
    

    Notice: Using these deprecated routines is not supported any more and this strong discouraged.

    Wrapper functions for external sources of uniform random numbers are now enabled by configure flags and not by macros defined in file src/unuran_config.h.

    The file src/unuran_config.h is not installed any more. It is now only included when the library is compiled. It should be removed from the global include path of the compiler.


1.3 Using the library

ANSI C Compliance

The library is written in ANSI C and is intended to conform to the ANSI C standard. It should be portable to any system with a working ANSI C compiler.

The library does not rely on any non-ANSI extensions in the interface it exports to the user. Programs you write using UNU.RAN can be ANSI compliant. Extensions which can be used in a way compatible with pure ANSI C are supported, however, via conditional compilation. This allows the library to take advantage of compiler extensions on those platforms which support them.

To avoid namespace conflicts all exported function names and variables have the prefix unur_, while exported macros have the prefix UNUR_.

Compiling and Linking

If you want to use the library you must include the UNU.RAN header file

#include <unuran.h>

If you also need the test routines then also add

#include <unuran_tests.h>

If wrapper functions for external sources of uniform random number generators are used, the corresponding header files must also be included, e.g.,

#include <unuran_urng_rngstream.h>

If these header files are not installed on the standard search path of your compiler you will also need to provide its location to the preprocessor as a command line flag. The default location of the unuran.h is /usr/local/include. A typical compilation command for a source file app.c with the GNU C compiler gcc is,

gcc -I/usr/local/include -c app.c

This results in an object file app.o. The default include path for gcc searches /usr/local/include automatically so the -I option can be omitted when UNU.RAN is installed in its default location.

The library is installed as a single file, libunuran.a. A shared version of the library is also installed on systems that support shared libraries. The default location of these files is /usr/local/lib. To link against the library you need to specify the main library. The following example shows how to link an application with the library (and the the RNGSTREAMS library if you decide to use this source of uniform pseudo-random numbers),

gcc app.o -lunuran -lrngstreams -lm

Shared Libraries

To run a program linked with the shared version of the library it may be necessary to define the shell variable LD_LIBRARY_PATH to include the directory where the library is installed. For example,

LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/lib:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH

To compile a statically linked version of the program instead, use the -static flag in gcc,

gcc -static app.o -lunuran -lrngstreams -lm

Compatibility with C++

The library header files automatically define functions to have extern "C" linkage when included in C++ programs.


1.4 Concepts of UNU.RAN

UNU.RAN is a C library for generating non-uniformly distributed random variates. Its emphasis is on the generation of non-standard distribution and on streams of random variates of special purposes. It is designed to provide a consistent tool to sample from distributions with various properties. Since there is no universal method that fits for all situations, various methods for sampling are implemented.

UNU.RAN solves this complex task by means of an object oriented programming interface. Three basic objects are used:

  • distribution object UNUR_DISTR
    Hold all information about the random variates that should be generated.
  • generator object UNUR_GEN
    Hold the generators for the given distributions. Two generator objects are completely independent of each other. They may share a common uniform random number generator or have their owns.
  • parameter object UNUR_PAR
    Hold all information for creating a generator object. It is necessary due to various parameters and switches for each of these generation methods.

    Notice that the parameter objects only hold pointers to arrays but do not have their own copy of such an array. Especially, if a dynamically allocated array is used it must not be freed until the generator object has been created!

The idea behind these structures is that creatin distributions, choosing a generation method and draing samples are orthogonal (ie. independent) functions of the library. The parameter object is only introduced due to the necessity to deal with various parameters and switches for each of these generation methods which are required to adjust the algorithms to unusual distributions with extreme properties but have default values that are suitable for most applications. These parameters and the data for distributions are set by various functions.

Once a generator object has been created sampling (from the univariate continuous distribution) can be done by the following command:

double x = unur_sample_cont(generator);

Analogous commands exist for discrete and multivariate distributions. For detailed examples that can be copied and modified see Examples.

Distribution objects

All information about a distribution are stored in objects (structures) of type UNUR_DISTR. UNU.RAN has five different types of distribution objects:

cont

Continuous univariate distributions.

cvec

Continuous multivariate distributions.

discr

Discrete univariate distributions.

cemp

Continuous empirical univariate distribution, ie. given by a sample.

cvemp

Continuous empirical multivariate distribution, ie. given by a sample.

matr

Matrix distributions.

Distribution objects can be created from scratch by the following call

distr = unur_distr_<type>_new();

where <type> is one of the five possible types from the above table. Notice that these commands only create an empty object which still must be filled by means of calls for each type of distribution object (see Handling distribution objects). The naming scheme of these functions is designed to indicate the corresponding type of the distribution object and the task to be performed. It is demonstated on the following example.

unur_distr_cont_set_pdf(distr, mypdf);

This command stores a PDF named mypdf in the distribution object distr which must have the type cont.

Of course UNU.RAN provides an easier way to use standard distributions. Instead of using unur_distr_<type>_new calls and fuctions unur_distr_<type>_set_<…> for setting data, objects for standard distribution can be created by a single call. Eg. to get an object for the normal distribution with mean 2 and standard deviation 5 use

double parameter[2] = {2.0 ,5.0};
UNUR_DISTR *distr = unur_distr_normal(parameter, 2);

For a list of standard distributions see Standard distributions.

Generation methods

The information that a distribution object must contain depends heavily on the chosen generation method choosen.

Brackets indicate optional information while a tilde indicates that only an approximation must be provided. See Glossary, for unfamiliar terms.

Methods for continuous univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_cont

methodPDFdPDFCDFmodeareaother
AROUxx[x]T-concave
ARSxxT-concave
CEXTwrapper for external generator
CSTDbuild-in standard distribution
HINV[x][x]x
HRBbounded hazard rate
HRDdecreasing hazard rate
HRIincreasing hazard rate
ITDRxxxmonotone with pole
NINV[x]x
NROUx[x]
PINVx[x][~]
SROUxxxT-concave
SSRxxxT-concave
TABLxx[~]all local extrema
TDRxxT-concave
UTDRxx~T-concave

Methods for continuous empirical univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_cont

EMPK: Requires an observed sample.
EMPL: Requires an observed sample.

Methods for continuous multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

NORTA: Requires rank correlation matrix and marginal distributions.
VNROU: Requires the PDF.
MVSTD: Generator for built-in standard distributions.
MVTDR: Requires PDF and gradiant of PDF.

Methods for continuous empirical multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

VEMPK: Requires an observed sample.

Methods for discrete univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_discr

methodPMFPVmodesumother
DARIxx~T-concave
DAU[x]x
DEXTwrapper for external generator
DGT[x]x
DSROUxxxT-concave
DSS[x]xx
DSTDbuild-in standard distribution

Methods for matrix distributions
sample with unur_sample_matr

MCORR: Distribution object for random correlation matrix.

Markov Chain Methods for continuous multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

GIBBS: T-concave logPDF and derivatives of logPDF.
HITRO: Requires PDF.

Because of tremendous variety of possible problems, UNU.RAN provides many methods. All information for creating a generator object has to be collected in a parameter object first. For example, if the task is to sample from a continuous distribution the method AROU might be a good choice. Then the call

UNUR_PAR *par = unur_arou_new(distribution);

creates an parameter object par with a pointer to the distribution object and default values for all necessary parameters for method AROU. Other methods can be used by replacing arou with the name of the desired methods (in lower case letters):

UNUR_PAR *par = unur_<method>_new(distribution);

This sets the default values for all necessary parameters for the chosen method. These are suitable for almost all applications. Nevertheless, it is possible to control the behavior of the method using corresponding set calls for each method. This might be necessary to adjust the algorithm for an unusual distribution with extreme properties, or just for fine tuning the perforence of the algorithm. The following example demonstrates how to change the maximum number of iterations for method NINV to the value 50:

unur_ninv_set_max_iteration(par, 50);

All available methods are described in details in Methods for generating non-uniform random variates.

Creating a generator object

Now it is possible to create a generator object:

UNUR_GEN *generator = unur_init(par);
if (generator == NULL) exit(EXIT_FAILURE);

Important: You must always check whether unur_init has been executed successfully. Otherwise the NULL pointer is returned which causes a segmentation fault when used for sampling.

Important: The call of unur_init destroys the parameter object!
Moreover, it is recommended to call unur_init immediately after the parameter object par has created and modified.

An existing generator object is a rather static construct. Nevertheless, some of the parameters can still be modified by chg calls, e.g.

unur_ninv_chg_max_iteration(gen, 30);

Notice that it is important when parameters are changed because different functions must be used:

The function name includes the term set and the first argument must be of type UNUR_PAR when the parameters are changed before the generator object is created.

The function name includes the term chg and the first argument must be of type UNUR_GEN when the parameters are changed for an existing generator object.

For details see Methods for generating non-uniform random variates.

Sampling

You can now use your generator object in any place of your program to sample from your distribution. You only have to take care about the type of variates it computes: double, int or a vector (array of doubles). Notice that at this point it does not matter whether you are sampling from a gamma distribution, a truncated normal distribution or even an empirical distribution.

Reinitializing

It is possible for a generator object to change the parameters and the domain of the underlying distribution. This must be done by extracting this object by means of a unur_get_distr call and changing the distribution using the correspondig set calls, see Handling distribution objects. The generator object must then be reinitialized by means of the unur_reinit call.

Important: Currently not all methods allow reinitialization, see the description of the particular method (keyword Reinit).

Destroy

When you do not need your generator object any more, you should destroy it:

unur_free(generator);

Uniform random numbers

Each generator object can have its own uniform random number generator or share one with others. When created a parameter object the pointer for the uniform random number generator is set to the default generator. However, it can be changed at any time to any other generator:

unur_set_urng(par, urng);

or

unur_chg_urng(generator, urng);

respectively. See Using uniform random number generators, for details.


1.5 Contact the authors

If you have any problems with UNU.RAN, suggestions how to improve the library, or find a bug, please contact us via email .

For news please visit out homepage at http://statmath.wu.ac.at/unuran/.


2 Examples

The examples in this chapter should compile cleanly and can be found in the directory examples of the source tree of UNU.RAN. Assuming that UNU.RAN as well as the PRNG libraries have been installed properly (see Installation) each of these can be compiled (using the GCC in this example) with

gcc -Wall -O2 -o example example.c -lunuran -lprng -lm

Remark: -lprng must be omitted when the PRNG library is not installed. Then however some of the examples might not work.

The library uses three objects: UNUR_DISTR, UNUR_PAR and UNUR_GEN. It is not important to understand the details of these objects but it is important not to changed the order of their creation. The distribution object can be destroyed after the generator object has been made. (The parameter object is freed automatically by the unur_init call.) It is also important to check the result of the unur_init call. If it has failed the NULL pointer is returned and causes a segmentation fault when used for sampling.

We give all examples with the UNU.RAN standard API and the more convenient string API.


2.1 As short as possible

Select a distribution and let UNU.RAN do all necessary steps.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example0.c                                              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Gaussian with mean zero and standard deviation 1.         */
  /*   Since this is the standard form of the distribution,      */
  /*   we need not give these parameters.                        */
  distr = unur_distr_normal(NULL, 0);

  /* Use method AUTO:                                            */
  /*   Let UNURAN select a suitable method for you.              */
  par = unur_auto_new(distr);

  /* Now you can change some of the default settings for the     */
  /* parameters of the chosen method. We don't do it here.       */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */


2.2 As short as possible (String API)

Select a distribution and let UNU.RAN do all necessary steps.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example0_str.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Standard Gaussian distribution.                           */
  /* Use method AUTO:                                            */
  /*   Let UNURAN select a suitable method for you.              */
  gen = unur_str2gen("normal()");         

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */


2.3 Select a method

Select method AROU and use it with default parameters.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example1.c                                              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Gaussian with mean zero and standard deviation 1.         */
  /*   Since this is the standard form of the distribution,      */
  /*   we need not give these parameters.                        */
  distr = unur_distr_normal(NULL, 0);

  /* Choose a method: AROU.                                      */
  /* For other (suitable) methods replace "arou" with the        */
  /* respective name (in lower case letters).                    */
  par = unur_arou_new(distr);

  /* Now you can change some of the default settings for the     */
  /* parameters of the chosen method. We don't do it here.       */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */


2.4 Select a method (String API)

Select method AROU and use it with default parameters.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example1_str.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Standard Gaussian distribution.                           */
  /* Choose a method: AROU.                                      */
  /*   For other (suitable) methods replace "arou" with the      */
  /*   respective name.                                          */
  gen = unur_str2gen("normal() & method=arou");         

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */


2.5 Arbitrary distributions

If you want to sample from a non-standard distribution, UNU.RAN might be exactly what you need. Depending on the information is available, a method must be choosen for sampling, see Concepts of UNU.RAN for an overview and Methods for generating non-uniform random variates for details.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example2.c                                              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* In this example we build a distribution object from scratch   */
/* and sample from this distribution.                            */
/*                                                               */
/* We use method TDR (Transformed Density Rejection) which       */
/* required a PDF and the derivative of the PDF.                 */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Define the PDF and dPDF of our distribution.                  */
/*                                                               */
/* Our distribution has the PDF                                  */
/*                                                               */
/*          /  1 - x*x  if |x| <= 1                              */
/*  f(x) = <                                                     */
/*          \  0        otherwise                                */
/*                                                               */

/* The PDF of our distribution:                                  */
double mypdf( double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr )
     /* The second argument (`distr') can be used for parameters */
     /* for the PDF. (We do not use parameters in our example.)  */
{
  if (fabs(x) >= 1.)
    return 0.;
  else
    return (1.-x*x);
} /* end of mypdf() */

/* The derivative of the PDF of our distribution:                */
double mydpdf( double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr )
{
  if (fabs(x) >= 1.)
    return 0.;
  else
    return (-2.*x);
} /* end of mydpdf() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create a new distribution object from scratch.              */
  /* It is a continuous distribution, and we need a PDF and the  */
  /* derivative of the PDF. Moreover we set the domain.          */

  /* Get empty distribution object for a continuous distribution */
  distr = unur_distr_cont_new();

  /* Assign the PDF and dPDF (defined above).                    */
  unur_distr_cont_set_pdf( distr, mypdf );
  unur_distr_cont_set_dpdf( distr, mydpdf );

  /* Set the domain of the distribution (optional for TDR).      */
  unur_distr_cont_set_domain( distr, -1., 1. );

  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);

  /* Now you can change some of the default settings for the     */
  /* parameters of the chosen method. We don't do it here.       */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */



2.6 Arbitrary distributions (String API)

If you want to sample from a non-standard distribution, UNU.RAN might be exactly what you need. Depending on the information is available, a method must be choosen for sampling, see Concepts of UNU.RAN for an overview and Methods for generating non-uniform random variates for details.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example2_str.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* In this example we use a generic distribution object          */
/* and sample from this distribution.                            */
/*                                                               */
/* The PDF of our distribution is given by                       */
/*                                                               */
/*          /  1 - x*x  if |x| <= 1                              */
/*  f(x) = <                                                     */
/*          \  0        otherwise                                */
/*                                                               */
/* We use method TDR (Transformed Density Rejection) which       */
/* required a PDF and the derivative of the PDF.                 */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  /* Use a generic continuous distribution.                      */
  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  gen = unur_str2gen(
        "distr = cont; pdf=\"1-x*x\"; domain=(-1,1) & method=tdr");

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */



2.7 Change parameters of the method

Each method for generating random numbers allows several parameters to be modified. If you do not want to use default values, it is possible to change them. The following example illustrates how to change parameters. For details see Methods for generating non-uniform random variates.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example3.c                                              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double x;          /* will hold the random number              */

  double fparams[2]; /* array for parameters for distribution    */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Gaussian with mean 2. and standard deviation 0.5.         */
  fparams[0] = 2.;
  fparams[1] = 0.5;
  distr = unur_distr_normal( fparams, 2 );

  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);

  /* Change some of the default parameters.                      */

  /* We want to use T(x)=log(x) for the transformation.          */
  unur_tdr_set_c( par, 0. );

  /* We want to have the variant with immediate acceptance.      */
  unur_tdr_set_variant_ia( par );

  /* We want to use 10 construction points for the setup         */
  unur_tdr_set_cpoints ( par, 10, NULL );

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* It is possible with method TDR to truncate the distribution */
  /* for an existing generator object ...                        */
  unur_tdr_chg_truncated( gen, -1., 0. );

  /* ... and sample again.                                       */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

2.8 Change parameters of the method (String API)

Each method for generating random numbers allows several parameters to be modified. If you do not want to use default values, it is possible to change them. The following example illustrates how to change parameters. For details see Methods for generating non-uniform random variates.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example3_str.c                                              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double x;          /* will hold the random number              */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Gaussian with mean 2. and standard deviation 0.5.         */
  /* Choose a method: TDR with parameters                        */
  /*   c = 0: use T(x)=log(x) for the transformation;            */
  /*   variant "immediate acceptance";                           */
  /*   number of construction points = 10.                       */
  gen = unur_str2gen(
       "normal(2,0.5) & method=tdr; c=0.; variant_ia; cpoints=10");         

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* It is possible with method TDR to truncate the distribution */
  /* for an existing generator object ...                        */
  unur_tdr_chg_truncated( gen, -1., 0. );

  /* ... and sample again.                                       */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

2.9 Change uniform random generator

All generator object use the same default uniform random number generator by default. This can be changed to any generator of your choice such that each generator object has its own random number generator or can share it with some other objects. It is also possible to change the default generator at any time. See Using uniform random number generators, for details.

The following example shows how the uniform random number generator can be set or changed for a generator object. It requires the RNGSTREAMS library to be installed and used. Otherwise the example must be modified accordingly.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_rngstreams.c                                    */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#ifdef UNURAN_SUPPORTS_RNGSTREAM
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* This example makes use of the RNGSTREAM library for           */
/* for generating uniform random numbers.                        */
/* (see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/software/RngStreams/)           */
/* To compile this example you must have set                     */
/*   ./configure --with-urng-rngstream                           */
/* (Of course the executable has to be linked against the        */
/* RNGSTREAM library.)                                           */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header files.                                  */
#include <unuran.h>
#include <unuran_urng_rngstreams.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double x;          /* will hold the random number              */
  double fparams[2]; /* array for parameters for distribution    */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Declare objects for uniform random number generators.       */
  UNUR_URNG  *urng1, *urng2;    /* uniform generator objects     */

  /* The RNGSTREAMS library sets a package seed.                 */
  unsigned long seed[] = {111u, 222u, 333u, 444u, 555u, 666u};
  RngStream_SetPackageSeed(seed);

  /* RngStreams only:                                            */
  /* Make a object for uniform random number generator.          */
  /* For details see                                             */
  /* http://statmath.wu.ac.at/software/RngStreams/               */
  urng1 = unur_urng_rngstream_new("urng-1");
  if (urng1 == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);

  /* Use a predefined standard distribution:                     */
  /*   Beta with parameters 2 and 3.                             */
  fparams[0] = 2.;
  fparams[1] = 3.;
  distr = unur_distr_beta( fparams, 2 );

  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);

  /* Set uniform generator in parameter object                   */
  unur_set_urng( par, urng1 );

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* Now we want to switch to a different (independent) stream   */
  /* of uniform random numbers.                                  */
  urng2 = unur_urng_rngstream_new("urng-2");
  if (urng2 == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  unur_chg_urng( gen, urng2 );

  /* ... and sample again.                                       */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  /* We also should destroy the uniform random number generators.*/
  unur_urng_free(urng1);
  unur_urng_free(urng2);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);
} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#else
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
  printf("You must enable the RNGSTREAM library to run this example!\n\n");
  exit (77);    /* exit code for automake check routines */
}
#endif
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */


2.10 Change parameters of underlying distribution

One a generator object has been created it allows to draw samples from the distribution with the given parameters. However, some methods allow to change the parameters of the underlying distribution and reinitialize the generator object again. Thus when the parameters of the distribution vary for each draw we save overhead for destroying the old object and creating a new one.

The following example shows how the parameters of a GIG distribution can be changed when method CSTD is used.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_reinit.c                                        */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* In this example we show how the parameters of the underlying  */
/* distribution can be changed for an existing generator object. */

/* We use the GIG distribution with method CSTD.                 */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Parameters of distribution.                                 */ 
  double dparam[3] = {0.5, 1., 5.};

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create initial GIG distribution object                      */
  distr = unur_distr_gig(dparam, 3);

  /* Choose a method: CSTD.                                      */
  par = unur_cstd_new(distr);

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);
  
  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* It is possible for method CSTD to change the parameters of  */
  /* underlying distribution. However, we have to extract to     */
  /* pointer to the distribution. Be carefull with this pointer! */
  distr = unur_get_distr(gen);

  /* Change the parameter(s).                                    */
  dparam[2] = 0.001;
  unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams(distr,dparam,3);

  /* Do not forget to reinitialize the generator object.         */
  /* Check the return code.                                      */
  /* (and try to find a better error handling)                   */
  if (unur_reinit(gen) != UNUR_SUCCESS) {
    fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot reinitialize generator object\n");
    exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Draw a new sample.                                          */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* Changing parameters can be repeated.                        */
  dparam[2] = 1000;
  unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams(distr,dparam,3);
  if (unur_reinit(gen) != UNUR_SUCCESS) {
    fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot reinitialize generator object\n");
    exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */



2.11 Sample pairs of antithetic random variates

Using Method TDR it is easy to sample pairs of antithetic random variates.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_anti.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#ifdef UNURAN_SUPPORTS_PRNG
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* This example makes use of the PRNG library for generating     */
/* uniform random numbers.                                       */
/* (see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/)                          */
/* To compile this example you must have set                     */
/*   ./configure --with-urng-prng                                */
/* (Of course the executable has to be linked against the        */
/* PRNG library.)                                                */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from two streams of antithetic random   */
/* variates from Gaussian N(2,5) and Gamma(4) distribution, resp.*/

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header files.                                  */
#include <unuran.h>
#include <unuran_urng_prng.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double xn, xg;     /* will hold the random number              */
  double fparams[2]; /* array for parameters for distribution    */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen_normal, *gen_gamma;
                        /* generator objects                     */

  /* Declare objects for uniform random number generators.       */
  UNUR_URNG  *urng1, *urng2;    /* uniform generator objects     */

  /* PRNG only:                                                  */
  /* Make a object for uniform random number generator.          */
  /* For details see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/.             */


  /* The first generator: Gaussian N(2,5) */

  /* uniform generator: We use the Mersenne Twister.             */
  urng1 = unur_urng_prng_new("mt19937(1237)");
  if (urng1 == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);

  /* UNURAN generator object for N(2,5) */
  fparams[0] = 2.;
  fparams[1] = 5.;
  distr = unur_distr_normal( fparams, 2 );

  /* Choose method TDR with variant PS.                          */
  par = unur_tdr_new( distr );
  unur_tdr_set_variant_ps( par );

  /* Set uniform generator in parameter object.                  */
  unur_set_urng( par, urng1 );

  /* Set auxilliary uniform random number generator.             */
  /* We use the default generator.                               */
  unur_use_urng_aux_default( par );

  /* Alternatively you can create and use your own auxilliary    */
  /* uniform random number generator:                            */
  /*    UNUR_URNG  *urng_aux;                                    */
  /*    urng_aux = unur_urng_prng_new("tt800");                  */
  /*    if (urng_aux == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);               */
  /*    unur_set_urng_aux( par, urng_aux );                      */                    

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen_normal = unur_init(par);
  if (gen_normal == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Destroy distribution object (gen_normal has its own copy).  */
  unur_distr_free(distr);


  /* The second generator: Gamma(4) with antithetic variates.    */

  /* uniform generator: We use the Mersenne Twister.             */
  urng2 = unur_urng_prng_new("anti(mt19937(1237))");
  if (urng2 == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);

  /* UNURAN generator object for gamma(4) */
  fparams[0] = 4.;
  distr = unur_distr_gamma( fparams, 1 );

  /* Choose method TDR with variant PS.                          */
  par = unur_tdr_new( distr );
  unur_tdr_set_variant_ps( par );

  /* Set uniform generator in parameter object.                  */
  unur_set_urng( par, urng2 );

  /* Set auxilliary uniform random number generator.             */
  /* We use the default generator.                               */
  unur_use_urng_aux_default( par );

  /* Alternatively you can create and use your own auxilliary    */
  /* uniform random number generator (see above).                */
  /* Notice that both generator objects gen_normal and           */
  /* gen_gamma can share the same auxilliary URNG.               */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen_gamma = unur_init(par);
  if (gen_gamma == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Destroy distribution object (gen_normal has its own copy).  */
  unur_distr_free(distr);


  /* Now we can sample pairs of negatively correlated random     */
  /* variates. E.g.:                                             */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    xn = unur_sample_cont(gen_normal);
    xg = unur_sample_cont(gen_gamma);
    printf("%g, %g\n",xn,xg);
  }


  /* When you do not need the generator objects any more, you    */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen_normal);
  unur_free(gen_gamma);

  /* We also should destroy the uniform random number generators.*/
  unur_urng_free(urng1);
  unur_urng_free(urng2);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);
} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#else
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
  printf("You must enable the PRNG library to run this example!\n\n");
  exit (77);    /* exit code for automake check routines */
}
#endif
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

2.12 Sample pairs of antithetic random variates (String API)

Using Method TDR it is easy to sample pairs of antithetic random variates.

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_anti_str.c                                      */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#ifdef UNURAN_SUPPORTS_PRNG
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* This example makes use of the PRNG library for generating     */
/* uniform random numbers.                                       */
/* (see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/)                          */
/* To compile this example you must have set                     */
/*   ./configure --with-urng-prng                                */
/* (Of course the executable has to be linked against the        */
/* PRNG library.)                                                */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from two streams of antithetic random   */
/* variates from Gaussian N(2,5) and Gamma(4) distribution, resp.*/

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header files.                                  */
#include <unuran.h>
#include <unuran_urng_prng.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double xn, xg;     /* will hold the random number              */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator objects.                           */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen_normal, *gen_gamma;

  /* PRNG only:                                                  */
  /* Make a object for uniform random number generator.          */
  /* For details see http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/.             */

  /* Create the first generator: Gaussian N(2,5)                 */
  gen_normal = unur_str2gen("normal(2,5) & method=tdr; variant_ps & urng=mt19937(1237)");
  if (gen_normal == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  /* Set auxilliary uniform random number generator.             */
  /* We use the default generator.                               */
  unur_chgto_urng_aux_default(gen_normal);

  /* The second generator: Gamma(4) with antithetic variates.    */
  gen_gamma = unur_str2gen("gamma(4) & method=tdr; variant_ps & urng=anti(mt19937(1237))");
  if (gen_gamma == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  unur_chgto_urng_aux_default(gen_gamma);


  /* Now we can sample pairs of negatively correlated random     */
  /* variates. E.g.:                                             */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    xn = unur_sample_cont(gen_normal);
    xg = unur_sample_cont(gen_gamma);
    printf("%g, %g\n",xn,xg);
  }


  /* When you do not need the generator objects any more, you    */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */

  /* But first we have to destroy the uniform random number      */
  /* generators.                                                 */
  unur_urng_free(unur_get_urng(gen_normal));
  unur_urng_free(unur_get_urng(gen_gamma));

  unur_free(gen_normal);
  unur_free(gen_gamma);


  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);
} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#else
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
  printf("You must enable the PRNG library to run this example!\n\n");
  exit (77);    /* exit code for automake check routines */
}
#endif
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

3 String Interface

The string interface (string API) provided by the unur_str2gen call is the easiest way to use UNU.RAN. This function takes a character string as its argument. The string is parsed and the information obtained is used to create a generator object. It returns NULL if this fails, either due to a syntax error, or due to invalid data. In both cases unur_error is set to the corresponding error codes (see Error reporting). Additionally there exists the call unur_str2distr that only produces a distribution object.

Notice that the string interface does not implement all features of the UNU.RAN library. For trickier tasks it might be necessary to use the UNU.RAN calls.

In Examples, all examples are given using both the UNU.RAN standard API and this convenient string API. The corresponding programm codes are equivalent.

Function reference

: UNUR_GEN* unur_str2gen (const char* string)

Get a generator object for the distribution, method and uniform random number generator as described in the given string. See Syntax of String Interface, for details.

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_str2distr (const char* string)

Get a distribution object for the distribution described in string. See Syntax of String Interface, and Distribution String, for details. However, only the block for the distribution object is allowed.

: UNUR_GEN* unur_makegen_ssu (const char* distrstr, const char* methodstr, UNUR_URNG* urng)
: UNUR_GEN* unur_makegen_dsu (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* methodstr, UNUR_URNG* urng)

Make a generator object for the distribution, method and uniform random number generator. The distribution can be given either as string distrstr or as a distribution object distr. The method must be given as a string methodstr. For the syntax of these strings see Syntax of String Interface. However, the method keyword is optional for these calls and can be omitted. If methodstr is the empty (blank) string or NULL method AUTO is used. The uniform random number generator is optional. If urng is NULL then the default uniform random number generator is used.


3.1 Syntax of String Interface

The given string holds information about the requested distribution and (optional) about the sampling method and the uniform random number generator invoked. The interpretation of the string is not case-sensitive, all white spaces are ignored.

The string consists of up to three blocks, separated by ampersands &.

Each block consists of <key>=<value> pairs, separated by semicolons ;.

The first key in each block is used to indicate each block. We have three different blocks with the following (first) keys:

distr

definition of the distribution (see Distribution String).

method

description of the transformation method (see Method String).

urng

uniform random number generation (see Uniform RNG String).

The distr block must be the very first block and is obligatory. All the other blocks are optional and can be arranged in arbitrary order.

For details see the following description of each block.

In the following example

distr = normal(3.,0.75); domain = (0,inf) & method = tdr; c = 0

we have a distribution block for the truncated normal distribution with mean 3 and standard deviation 0.75 on domain (0,infinity); and block for choosing method TDR with parameter c set to 0.

The <key>=<value> pairs that follow the first (initial) pair in each block are used to set parameters. The name of the parameter is given by the <key> string. It is deduced from the UNU.RAN set calls by taking the part after …_set_. The <value> string holds the parameters to be set, separated by commata ,. There are three types of parameters:

string "…" or '…'

i.e. any sequence of characters enclosed by double quotes "…" or single quotes '…' (there is no distinction between double quotes " and single quotes ').

list (…,…)

i.e. list of numbers, separated by commata ,, enclosed in parenthesis (...).

number

a sequence of characters that is not enclosed by double quotes "…", single quotes '…', or parenthesis (...). It is interpreted as float or integer depending on the type of the corresponding parameter.

The <value> string (including the character =) can be omitted when no argument is required.

At the moment not all set calls are supported. The syntax for the <value> can be directly derived from the corresponding set calls. To simplify the syntax additional shortcuts are possible. The following table lists the parameters for the set calls that are supported by the string interface; the entry in parenthesis gives the type of the argument as <value> string:

int (number):

The number is interpreted as an integer. true and on are transformed to 1, false and off are transformed to 0. A missing argument is interpreted as 1.

int, int (number, number or list):

The two numbers or the first two entries in the list are interpreted as a integers. inf and -inf are transformed to INT_MAX and INT_MIN respectively, i.e. the largest and smallest integers that can be represented by the computer.

unsigned (number):

The number is interpreted as an unsigned hexadecimal integer.

double (number):

The number is interpreted as a floating point number. inf is transformed to UNUR_INFINITY.

double, double (number, number or list):

The two numbers or the first two entries in the list are interpreted as a floating point numbers. inf is transformed to UNUR_INFINITY. However using inf in the list might not work for all versions of C. Then it is recommended to use two single numbers instead of a list.

int, double* ([number,] list or number):
  • The list is interpreted as a double array. The (first) number as its length. If it is less than the actual size of the array only the first entries of the array are used.
  • If only the list is given (i.e., if the first number is omitted), the first number is set to the actual size of the array.
  • If only the number is given (i.e., if the list is omitted), the NULL pointer is used instead an array as argument.
double*, int (list [,number]):

The list is interpreted as a double array. The (second) number as its length. If the length is omitted, it is replaced by the actual size of the array. (Only in the distribution block!)

char* (string):

The character string is passed as is to the corresponding set call.

Notice that missing entries in a list of numbers are interpreted as 0. E.g, a the list (1,,3) is read as (1,0,3), the list (1,2,) as (1,2,0).

The the list of key strings in Keys for Distribution String, and Keys for Method String, for further details.


3.2 Distribution String

The distr block must be the very first block and is obligatory. For that reason the keyword distr is optional and can be omitted (together with the = character). Moreover it is ignored while parsing the string. However, to avoid some possible confusion it has to start with the letter d (if it is given at all).

The value of the distr key is used to get the distribution object, either via a unur_distr_<value> call for a standard distribution via a unur_distr_<value>_new call to get an object of a generic distribution. However not all generic distributions are supported yet.

The parameters for the standard distribution are given as a list. There must not be any character (other than white space) between the name of the standard distribution and the opening parenthesis ( of this list. E.g., to get a beta distribution, use

distr = beta(2,4)

To get an object for a discrete distribution with probability vector (0.5,0.2,0.3), use

distr = discr; pv = (0.5,0.2,0.3)

It is also possible to set a PDF, PMF, or CDF using a string. E.g., to create a continuous distribution with PDF proportional to exp(-sqrt(2+(x-1)^2) + (x-1)) and domain (0,inf) use

distr = cont; pdf = "exp(-sqrt(2+(x-1)^2) + (x-1))"

Notice: If this string is used in an unur_str2distr or unur_str2gen call the double quotes " must be protected by \". Alternatively, single quotes may be used instead

distr = cont; pdf = 'exp(-sqrt(2+(x-1)^2) + (x-1))'

For the details of function strings see Function String.


3.2.1 Keys for Distribution String

List of standard distributions see Standard distributions

List of generic distributions see Handling Distribution Objects

Notice: Order statistics for continuous distributions (see Continuous univariate order statistics) are supported by using the key orderstatistics for distributions of type CONT.

List of keys that are available via the String API. For description see the corresponding UNU.RAN set calls.


3.3 Function String

In unuran it is also possible to define functions (e.g. CDF or PDF) as strings. As you can see in Example 2 (Arbitrary distributions (String API)) it is very easy to define the PDF of a distribution object by means of a string. The possibilities using this string interface are more restricted than using a pointer to a routine coded in C (Arbitrary distributions). But the differences in evaluation time is small. When a distribution object is defined using this string interface then of course the same conditions on the given density or CDF must be satisfied for a chosen method as for the standard API. This string interface can be used for both within the UNU.RAN string API using the unur_str2gen call, and for calls that define the density or CDF for a particular distribution object as done with (e.g.) the call unur_distr_cont_set_pdfstr. Here is an example for the latter case:

unur_distr_cont_set_pdfstr(distr,"1-x*x");

Syntax

The syntax for the function string is case insensitive, white spaces are ingnored. The expressions are similar to most programming languages and mathematical programs (see also the examples below). It is especially influenced by C. The usual preceedence rules are used (from highest to lowest preceedence: functions, power, multiplication, addition, relation operators). Use parentheses in case of doubt or when these preceedences should be changed.

Relation operators can be used as indicator functions, i.e. the term (x>1) is evaluted as 1 if this relation is satisfied, and as 0 otherwise.

The first unknown symbol (letter or word) is interpreted as the variable of the function. It is recommended to use x. Only one variable can be used.

Important: The symbol e is used twice, for Euler’s constant (= 2.7182…) and as exponent. The multiplication operator * must not be omitted, i.e. 2 x is interpreted as the string 2x (which will result in a syntax error).

List of symbols

Numbers

Numbers are composed using digits and, optionally, a sign, a decimal point, and an exponent indicated by e.

SymbolExplanationExamples
0…9digits2343
.decimal point165.567
-negative sign-465.223
eexponet13.2e-4 (=0.00132)

Constants

pipi = 3.1415…3*pi+2
eEuler’s constant3*e+2 (= 10.15…; do not cofuse with 3e2 = 300)
infinfinity(used for domains)

Special symbols

(opening parenthesis2*(3+x)
)closing parenthesis2*(3+x)
,(argument) list separatormod(13,2)

Relation operators (Indicator functions)

<less than(x<1)
=equal(2=x)
==same as =(x==3)
>greater than(x>0)
<=less than or equal(x<=1)
!=not equal(x!0)
<>same as !=(x<>pi)
>=greater or equal(x>=1)

Arithmetic operators

+addition2+x
-subtraction2-x
*multiplication2*x
/divisionx/2
^powerx^2

Functions

modmod(m,n) remainder of devision m over nmod(x,2)
expexponential function (same as e^x)exp(-x^2) (same as e^(-x^2))
lognatural logarithmlog(x)
sinsinesin(x)
coscosinecos(x)
tantangenttan(x)
secsecantsec(x*2)
sqrtsquare rootsqrt(2*x)
absabsolute valueabs(x)
sgnsign functionsign(x)*3

Variable

xvariable3*x^2

Examples

1.231+7.9876*x-1.234e-3*x^2+3.335e-5*x^3
sin(2*pi*x)+x^2
exp(-((x-3)/2.1)^2)

It is also possible to define functions using different terms on separate domains. However, instead of constructs using if … then … else … indicator functions are available.

For example to define the density of triangular distribution with domain (-1,1) and mode 0 use

(x>-1)*(x<0)*(1+x) + (x>=0)*(x<1)*(1-x)

3.4 Method String

The key method is obligatory, it must be the first key and its value is the name of a method suitable for the choosen standard distribution. E.g., if method AROU is chosen, use

method = arou

Of course the all following keys dependend on the method choosen at first. All corresponding set calls of UNU.RAN are available and the key is the string after the unur_<methodname>_set_ part of the command. E.g., UNU.RAN provides the command unur_arou_set_max_sqhratio to set a parameter of method AROU. To call this function via the string-interface, the key max_sqhratio can be used:

max_sqhratio = 0.9

Additionally the keyword debug can be used to set debugging flags (see Debugging, for details).

If this block is omitted, a suitable default method is used. Notice however that the default method may change in future versions of UNU.RAN.


3.4.1 Keys for Method String

List of methods and keys that are available via the String API. For description see the corresponding UNU.RAN set calls.


3.5 Uniform RNG String

The value of the urng key is passed to the PRNG interface (see PRNG manual for details). However it only works when using the PRNG library is enabled, see Installation for details. There are no other keys.

IMPORTANT: UNU.RAN creates a new uniform random number generator for the generator object. The pointer to this uniform generator has to be read and saved via a unur_get_urng call in order to clear the memory before the UNU.RAN generator object is destroyed.

If this block is omitted the UNU.RAN default generator is used (which must not be destroyed).


4 Handling distribution objects

Objects of type UNUR_DISTR are used for handling distributions. All data about a distribution are stored in this object. UNU.RAN provides functions that return instances of such objects for standard distributions (see Standard distributions). It is then possible to change these distribution objects by various set calls. Moreover, it is possible to build a distribution object entirely from scratch. For this purpose there exists unur_distr_<type>_new calls that return an empty object of this type for each object type (eg. univariate contiuous) which can be filled with the appropriate set calls.

UNU.RAN distinguishes between several types of distributions, each of which has its own sets of possible parameters (for details see the corresponding sections):

Notice that there are essential data about a distribution, eg. the PDF, a list of (shape, scale, location) parameters for the distribution, and the domain of (the possibly truncated) distribution. And there exist parameters that are/can be derived from these, eg. the mode of the distribution or the area below the given PDF (which need not be normalized for many methods). UNU.RAN keeps track of parameters which are known. Thus if one of the essential parameters is changed all derived parameters are marked as unknown and must be set again if these are required for the chosen generation method. Additionally to set calls there are calls for updating derived parameters for objects provided by the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (one for each parameter to avoid computational overhead since not all parameters are required for all generator methods).

All parameters of distribution objects can be read by corresponding get calls.

Every generator object has its own copy of a distribution object which is accessible by a unur_get_distr call. Thus the parameter for this distribution can be read. However, never extract the distribution object out of a generator object and run one of the set calls on it to modify the distribution. (How should the poor generator object know what has happend?) Instead there exist calls for each of the generator methods that change particular parameters of the internal copy of the distribution object.

How To Use

UNU.RAN collects all data required for a particular generation method in a distribution object. There are two ways to get an instance of a distributions object:

  1. Build a distribtion from scratch, by means of the corresponding unur_distr_<type>_new call, where <type> is the type of the distribution as listed in the below subsections.
  2. Use the corresponding unur_distr_<name>_new call to get prebuild distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions. Here <name> is the name of the standard distribution in Standard distributions.

In either cases the corresponding unur_distr_<type>_set_<param> calls to set the necessary parameters <param> (case 1), or change the values of the standard distribution in case 2 (if this makes sense for you). In the latter case <type> is the type to which the standard distribution belongs to. These set calls return UNUR_SUCCESS when the correspondig parameter has been set successfully. Otherwise an error code is returned.

The parameters of a distribution are divided into essential and derived parameters.

Notice, that there are some restrictions in setting parameters to avoid possible confusions. Changing essential parameters marks derived parameters as unknown. Some of the parameters cannot be changed any more when already set; some parameters block each others. In such a case a new instance of a distribution object has to be build.

Additionally unur_distr_<type>_upd_<param> calls can be used for updating derived parameters for objects provided by the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions.

All parameters of a distribution object get be read by means of unur_distr_<type>_get_<param> calls.

Every distribution object be identified by its name which is a string of arbitrary characters provided by the user. For standard distribution it is automatically set to <name> in the corresponding new call. It can be changed to any other string.


4.1 Functions for all kinds of distribution objects

The calls in this section can be applied to all distribution objects.

  • Destroy free an instance of a generator object.
  • Ask for the type of a generator object.
  • Ask for the dimension of a generator object.
  • Deal with the name (identifier string) of a generator object.

Function reference

: void unur_distr_free (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Destroy the distribution object.

: int unur_distr_set_name (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* name)
: const char* unur_distr_get_name (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Set and get name of distribution. The name can be an arbitrary character string. It can be used to identify generator objects for the user. It is used by UNU.RAN when printing information of the distribution object into a log files.

: int unur_distr_get_dim (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get number of components of a random vector (its dimension) the distribution.

For univariate distributions it returns dimension 1.

For matrix distributions it returns the number of components (i.e., number of rows times number of columns). When the respective numbers of rows and columns are needed use unur_distr_matr_get_dim instead.

: unsigned int unur_distr_get_type (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get type of distribution. Possible types are

UNUR_DISTR_CONT

univariate continuous distribution

UNUR_DISTR_CEMP

empirical continuous univariate distribution (i.e. a sample)

UNUR_DISTR_CVEC

continuous mulitvariate distribution

UNUR_DISTR_CVEMP

empirical continuous multivariate distribution (i.e. a vector sample)

UNUR_DISTR_DISCR

discrete univariate distribution

UNUR_DISTR_MATR

matrix distribution

Alternatively the unur_distr_is_<TYPE> calls can be used.

: int unur_distr_is_cont (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is a continuous univariate distribution.

: int unur_distr_is_cvec (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is a continuous multivariate distribution.

: int unur_distr_is_cemp (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is an empirical continuous univariate distribution, i.e. a sample.

: int unur_distr_is_cvemp (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is an empirical continuous multivariate distribution.

: int unur_distr_is_discr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is a discrete univariate distribution.

: int unur_distr_is_matr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

TRUE if distribution is a matrix distribution.

: int unur_distr_set_extobj (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const void* extobj)

Store a pointer to an external object. This might be usefull if the PDF, PMF, CDF or other functions used to implement a particular distribution a parameter set that cannot be stored as doubles (e.g. pointers to some structure that holds information of the distribution).

Important: When UNU.RAN copies this distribution object into the generator object, then the address extobj that this pointer contains is simply copied. Thus the generator holds an address of a non-private object! Once the generator object has been created any change in the external object might effect the generator object.

Warning: External objects must be used with care. Once the generator object has been created or the distribution object has been copied you must not destroy this external object.

: const void* unur_distr_get_extobj (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the pointer to the external object.

Important: Changing this object must be done with with extreme care.


4.2 Continuous univariate distributions

The calls in this section can be applied to continuous univariate distributions.

  • Create a new instance of a continuous univariate distribution.
  • Handle and evaluate distribution function (CDF, cdf), probability density function (PDF, pdf) and the derivative of the density function (dpdf). The following is important:
    • pdf need not be normalized, i.e., any integrable nonnegative function can be used.
    • dpdf must the derivate of the function provided as pdf.
    • cdf must be a distribution function, i.e. it must be monotonically increasing with range [0,1].
    • If cdf and pdf are used together for a pariticular generation method, then pdf must be the derivate of the cdf, i.e., it must be normalized.
  • Handle and evaluate the logarithm of the probability density function (logPDF, logpdf) and the derivative of the logarithm of the density function (dlogpdf).

    Some methods use the logarithm of the density if available.

  • Set (and change) parameters (pdfparams) and the area below the graph (pdfarea) of the given density.
  • Set the mode (or pole) of the distribution.
  • Set the center of the distribution. It is used by some generation methods to adjust the parameters of the generation algorithms to gain better performance. It can be seens as the location of the “central part” of the distribution.
  • Some generation methods require the hazard rate (hr) of the distribution instead of its pdf.
  • Alternatively, cdf, pdf, dpdf, and hr can be provided as strings instead of function pointers.
  • Set the domain of the distribution. Notice that the library also can handle truncated distributions, i.e., distributions that are derived from (standard) distributions by simply restricting its domain to a subset. However, there is a subtle difference between changing the domain of a distribution object by a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call and changing the (truncated) domain for an existing generator object. The domain of the distribution object is used to create the generator object with hats, squeezes, tables, etc. Whereas truncating the domain of an existing generator object need not necessarily require a recomputation of these data. Thus by a unur_<method>_chg_truncated call (if available) the sampling region is restricted to the subset of the domain of the given distribution object. However, generation methods that require a recreation of the generator object when the domain is changed have a unur_<method>_chg_domain call instead. For these calls there are of course no restrictions on the given domain (i.e., it is possible to increase the domain of the distribution) (see Methods for generating non-uniform random variates, for details).

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_cont_new (void)

Create a new (empty) object for univariate continuous distribution.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_cont_set_pdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* pdf)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_dpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* dpdf)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_cdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* cdf)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_invcdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* invcdf)

Set respective pointer to the probability density function (PDF), the derivative of the probability density function (dPDF), the cumulative distribution function (CDF), and the inverse CDF of the distribution. Each of these function pointers must be of type double funct(double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr).

Due to the fact that some of the methods do not require a normalized PDF the following is important:

  • The given CDF must be the cumulative distribution function of the (non-truncated) distribution. If a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) is truncated, there is no need to change the CDF.
  • If both the CDF and the PDF are used (for a method or for order statistics), the PDF must be the derivative of the CDF. If a truncated distribution for one of the standard distributions from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions is used, there is no need to change the PDF.
  • If the area below the PDF is required for a given distribution it must be given by the unur_distr_cont_set_pdfarea call. For a truncated distribution this must be of course the integral of the PDF in the given truncated domain. For distributions from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions this is done automatically by the unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea call.

It is important to note that all these functions must return a result for all values of x. Eg., if the domain of a given PDF is the interval [-1,1], then the given function must return 0.0 for all points outside this interval. In case of an overflow the PDF should return UNUR_INFINITY.

It is not possible to change such a function. Once the PDF or CDF is set it cannot be overwritten. This also holds when the logPDF is given or when the PDF is given by the unur_distr_cont_set_pdfstr or unur_distr_cont_set_logpdfstr call. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_pdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_dpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_cdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_invcdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the respective pointer to the PDF, the derivative of the PDF, the CDF, and the inverse CDF of the distribution. The pointer is of type double funct(double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr). If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, the NULL pointer is returned.

: double unur_distr_cont_eval_pdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_dpdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_cdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_invcdf (double u, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the PDF, derivative of the PDF, the CDF, and the inverse CDF at x and u,respectively. Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

IMPORTANT: In the case of a truncated standard distribution these calls always return the respective values of the untruncated distribution!

: int unur_distr_cont_set_logpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* logpdf)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_dlogpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* dlogpdf)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_logcdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* logcdf)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_logpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_dlogpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_logcdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_logpdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_dlogpdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cont_eval_logcdf (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Analogous calls for the logarithm of the density distribution functions.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_pdfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* pdfstr)

This function provides an alternative way to set a PDF and its derivative of the distribution. pdfstr is a character string that contains the formula for the PDF, see Function String, for details. The derivative of the given PDF is computed automatically. See also the remarks for the unur_distr_cont_set_pdf call.

It is not possible to call this funtion twice or to call this function after a unur_distr_cont_set_pdf call.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_cdfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* cdfstr)

This function provides an alternative way to set a CDF; analogously to the unur_distr_cont_set_pdfstr call. The PDF and its derivative of the given CDF are computed automatically.

: char* unur_distr_cont_get_pdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: char* unur_distr_cont_get_dpdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: char* unur_distr_cont_get_cdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get pointer to respective string for PDF, derivate of PDF, and CDF of distribution that is given as string (instead of a function pointer). This call allocates memory to produce this string. It should be freed when it is not used any more.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* params, int n_params)

Sets array of parameters for distribution. There is an upper limit for the number of parameters n_params. It is given by the macro UNUR_DISTR_MAXPARAMS in unuran_config.h. (It is set to 5 by default but can be changed to any appropriate nonnegative number.) If n_params is negative or exceeds this limit no parameters are copied into the distribution object and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_NPARAMS.

For standard distributions from the UNU.RAN library the parameters are checked. Moreover, the domain is updated automatically unless it has been changed before by a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call. If the given parameters are invalid for the standard distribution, then no parameters are set and an error code is returned. Notice, that the given parameter list for such a distribution is handled in the same way as in the corresponding new calls, i.e. optional parameters for the PDF that are not present in the given list are (re-)set to their default values.

Important: If the parameters of a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) are changed, then neither its mode nor the normalization constant are updated. Please use the respective calls unur_distr_cont_upd_mode and unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea. Moreover, if the domain has been changed by a unur_distr_cont_set_domain it is not automatically updated, either. Updating the normalization constant is in particular very important, when the CDF of the distribution is used.

: int unur_distr_cont_get_pdfparams (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** params)

Get number of parameters of the PDF and set pointer params to array of parameters. If no parameters are stored in the object, an error code is returned and params is set to NULL.

Important: Do not change the entries in params!

: int unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams_vec (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int par, const double* param_vec, int n_param_vec)

This function provides an interface for additional vector parameters for a continuous distribution.

It sets the parameter with number par. par indicates directly which of the parameters is set and must be a number between 0 and UNUR_DISTR_MAXPARAMS-1 (the upper limit of possible parameters defined in unuran_config.h; it is set to 5 but can be changed to any appropriate nonnegative number.)

The entries of a this parameter are given by the array param_vec of size n_param_vec.

If param_vec is NULL then the corresponding entry is cleared.

If an error occurs no parameters are copied into the parameter object unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_cont_get_pdfparams_vec (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int par, const double** param_vecs)

Get parameter of the PDF with number par. The pointer to the parameter array is stored in param_vecs, its size is returned by the function. If the requested parameter is not set, then an error code is returned and params is set to NULL.

Important: Do not change the entries in param_vecs!

: int unur_distr_cont_set_logpdfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* logpdfstr)
: char* unur_distr_cont_get_logpdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: char* unur_distr_cont_get_dlogpdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: int unur_distr_cont_set_logcdfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* logcdfstr)
: char* unur_distr_cont_get_logcdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Analogous calls for the logarithm of the density and distribution functions.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_domain (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double left, double right)

Set the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. This can also be used to truncate an existing distribution. For setting the boundary to +/- infinity use +/- UNUR_INFINITY. If right is not strictly greater than left no domain is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

Important: For some technical reasons it is assumed that the density is unimodal and thus monotone on either side of the mode! This is used in the case when the given mode is outside of the original domain. Then the mode is set to the corresponding boundary of the new domain. If this result is not the desired it must be changed by using a unur_distr_cont_set_mode call (or a unur_distr_cont_upd_mode call). The same holds for the center of the distribution.

: int unur_distr_cont_get_domain (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double* left, double* right)

Get the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. If the domain is not set +/- UNUR_INFINITY is assumed and returned. No error is reported in this case.

: int unur_distr_cont_get_truncated (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double* left, double* right)

Get the left and right borders of the (truncated) domain of the distribution. For non-truncated distribution this call is equivalent to the unur_distr_cont_get_domain call.

This call is only useful in connection with a unur_get_distr call to get the boundaries of the sampling region of a generator object.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_hr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* hazard)

Set pointer to the hazard rate (HR) of the distribution.

The hazard rate (or failure rate) is a mathematical way of describing aging. If the lifetime X is a random variable with density f(x) and CDF F(x) the hazard rate h(x) is defined as h(x) = f(x) / (1-F(x)). In other words, h(x) represents the (conditional) rate of failure of a unit that has survived up to time x with probability 1-F(x). The key distribution is the exponential distribution as it has constant hazard rate of value 1. Hazard rates tending to infinity describe distributions with sub-exponential tails whereas distributions with hazard rates tending to zero have heavier tails than the exponential distribution.

It is important to note that all these functions must return a result for all floats x. In case of an overflow the PDF should return UNUR_INFINITY.

Important: Do not simply use f(x) / (1-F(x)), since this is numerically very unstable and results in numerical noise if F(x) is (very) close to 1. Moreover, if the density f(x) is known a generation method that uses the density is more appropriate.

It is not possible to change such a function. Once the HR is set it cannot be overwritten. This also holds when the HR is given by the unur_distr_cont_set_hrstr call. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_cont_get_hr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the pointer to the hazard rate of the distribution. The pointer is of type double funct(double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr). If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, the NULL pointer is returned.

: double unur_distr_cont_eval_hr (double x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the hazard rate at x. Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_hrstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* hrstr)

This function provides an alternative way to set a hazard rate and its derivative of the distribution. hrstr is a character string that contains the formula for the HR, see Function String, for details. See also the remarks for the unur_distr_cont_set_hr call.

It is not possible to call this funtion twice or to call this function after a unur_distr_cont_set_hr call.

: char* unur_distr_cont_get_hrstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get pointer to string for HR of distribution that is given via the string interface. This call allocates memory to produce this string. It should be freed when it is not used any more.

Derived parameters

The following paramters must be set whenever one of the essential parameters has been set or changed (and the parameter is required for the chosen method).

: int unur_distr_cont_set_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double mode)

Set mode of distribution. The mode must be contained in the domain of distribution. Otherwise the mode is not set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET. For distributions with unbounded density, this call is used to set the pole of the PDF. Notice that the PDF should then return UNUR_INFINITY at the pole. Notice that the mode is adjusted when the domain is set, see the remark for the unur_distr_cont_set_domain call.

: int unur_distr_cont_upd_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the mode of the distribution. This call works properly for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. Otherwise a (slow) numerical mode finder based on Brent’s algorithm is used. If it failes unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: double unur_distr_cont_get_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get mode of distribution. If the mode is not marked as known, unur_distr_cont_upd_mode is called to compute the mode. If this is not successful UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET. (There is no difference between the case where no routine for computing the mode is available and the case where no mode exists for the distribution at all.)

: int unur_distr_cont_set_center (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double center)

Set center of the distribution. The center is used by some methods to shift the distribution in order to decrease numerical round-off error. If not given explicitly a default is used.

Important: This call does not check whether the center is contained in the given domain.

Default: The mode, if set by a unur_distr_cont_set_mode or unur_distr_cont_upd_mode call; otherwise 0.

: double unur_distr_cont_get_center (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get center of the distribution. It always returns some point as there always exists a default for the center, see unur_distr_cont_set_center.

: int unur_distr_cont_set_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double area)

Set the area below the PDF. If area is non-positive, no area is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

For a distribution object created by the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions you always should use the unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea. Otherwise there might be ambiguous side-effects.

: int unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the area below the PDF of the distribution. It only works for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. Otherwise unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

This call also sets the normalization constant such that the given PDF is the derivative of a given CDF, i.e. the area is 1. However, for truncated distributions the area is smaller than 1.

The call does not work for distributions from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions with truncated domain when the CDF is not available.

: double unur_distr_cont_get_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the area below the PDF of the distribution. If this area is not known,
unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea is called to compute it. If this is not successful UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.


4.3 Continuous univariate order statistics

These are special cases of a continuous univariate distributions and thus they have most of these parameters (with the exception that functions cannot be changed). Additionally,

  • there is a call to extract the underlying distribution,
  • and a call to handle the rank of the order statistics.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_corder_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int n, int k)

Create an object for order statistics of sample size n and rank k. distribution must be a pointer to a univariate continuous distribution. The resulting generator object is of the same type as of a unur_distr_cont_new call. (However, it cannot be used to make an order statistics out of an order statistics.)

To have a PDF for the order statistics, the given distribution object must contain a CDF and a PDF. Moreover, it is assumed that the given PDF is the derivative of the given CDF. Otherwise the area below the PDF of the order statistics is not computed correctly.

Important: There is no warning when the computed area below the PDF of the order statistics is wrong.

: const UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_corder_get_distribution (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get pointer to distribution object for underlying distribution.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_corder_set_rank (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int n, int k)

Change sample size n and rank k of order statistics. In case of invalid data, no parameters are changed. The area below the PDF can be set to that of the underlying distribution by a unur_distr_corder_upd_pdfarea call.

: int unur_distr_corder_get_rank (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int* n, int* k)

Get sample size n and rank k of order statistics. In case of error an error code is returned.

Additionally most of the set and get calls for continuous univariate distributions work. The most important exceptions are that the PDF and CDF cannot be changed and unur_distr_cont_upd_mode uses in any way a (slow) numerical method that might fail.

: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_corder_get_pdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_corder_get_dpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CONT* unur_distr_corder_get_cdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the respective pointer to the PDF, the derivative of the PDF and the CDF of the distribution, respectively. The pointer is of type double funct(double x, UNUR_DISTR *distr). If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, the NULL pointer is returned. See also unur_distr_cont_get_pdf. (Macro)

: double unur_distr_corder_eval_pdf (double x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_corder_eval_dpdf (double x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_corder_eval_cdf (double x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the PDF, derivative of the PDF. and the CDF, respectively, at x. Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA. See also unur_distr_cont_eval_pdf. (Macro)

IMPORTANT: In the case of a truncated standard distribution these calls always return the respective values of the untruncated distribution!

: int unur_distr_corder_set_pdfparams (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double* params, int n_params)

Set array of parameters for underlying distribution. See unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams for details. (Macro)

: int unur_distr_corder_get_pdfparams (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double** params)

Get number of parameters of the PDF of the underlying distribution and set pointer params to array of parameters. See unur_distr_cont_get_pdfparams for details. (Macro)

: int unur_distr_corder_set_domain (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double left, double right)

Set the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. See unur_distr_cont_set_domain for details. (Macro)

: int unur_distr_corder_get_domain (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double* left, double* right)

Get the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. See unur_distr_cont_get_domain for details. (Macro)

: int unur_distr_corder_get_truncated (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double* left, double* right)

Get the left and right borders of the (truncated) domain of the distribution. See unur_distr_cont_get_truncated for details. (Macro)

Derived parameters

The following paramters must be set whenever one of the essential parameters has been set or changed (and the parameter is required for the chosen method).

: int unur_distr_corder_set_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double mode)

Set mode of distribution. See also unur_distr_corder_set_mode. (Macro)

: double unur_distr_corder_upd_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the mode of the distribution numerically. Notice that this routine is slow and might not work properly in every case. See also unur_distr_cont_upd_mode for further details. (Macro)

: double unur_distr_corder_get_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get mode of distribution. See unur_distr_cont_get_mode for details. (Macro)

: int unur_distr_corder_set_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double area)

Set the area below the PDF. See unur_distr_cont_set_pdfarea for details. (Macro)

: double unur_distr_corder_upd_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the area below the PDF of the distribution. It only works for order statistics for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea assumes that the PDF of the underlying distribution is normalized, i.e. it is the derivative of its CDF. Otherwise the computed area is wrong and there is no warning about this failure. See unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea for further details. (Macro)

: double unur_distr_corder_get_pdfarea (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the area below the PDF of the distribution. See unur_distr_cont_get_pdfarea for details. (Macro)


4.4 Continuous empirical univariate distributions

Empirical univariate distributions are derived from observed data. There are two ways to create such a generator object:

  1. By a list of raw data by means of a unur_distr_cemp_set_data call.
  2. By a histogram (i.e. preprocessed data) by means of a unur_distr_cemp_set_hist call.

How these data are used to sample from the empirical distribution depends from the chosen generation method.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_cemp_new (void)

Create a new (empty) object for empirical univariate continuous distribution.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_cemp_set_data (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* sample, int n_sample)

Set observed sample for empirical distribution.

: int unur_distr_cemp_read_data (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* filename)

Read data from file filename. It reads the first number from each line. Numbers are parsed by means of the C standard routine strtod. Lines that do not start with +, -, ., or a digit are ignored. (Beware of lines starting with a blank!)

In case of an error (file cannot be opened, invalid string for double in line) no data are copied into the distribution object and an error code is returned.

: int unur_distr_cemp_get_data (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** sample)

Get number of samples and set pointer sample to array of observations. If no sample has been given, an error code is returned and sample is set to NULL.

Important: Do not change the entries in sample!

: int unur_distr_cemp_set_hist (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* prob, int n_prob, double xmin, double xmax)

Set a histogram with bins of equal width. prob is an array of length n_prob that contains the probabilities for the bins (in ascending order). xmin and xmax give the lower and upper bound of the histogram, respectively. The bins are assumed to have equal width.

Remark: This is shortcut for calling unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_prob and unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_domain. Notice: All sampling methods either use raw data or histogram. It is possible to set both types of data; however, it is not checked whether the given histogran corresponds to possibly given raw data.

: int unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_prob (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* prob, int n_prob)

Set probabilities of a histogram with n_prob bins. Hence prob must be an array of length n_prob that contains the probabilities for the bins in ascending order. It is important also to set the location of the bins either with a unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_domain for bins of equal width or unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_bins when the bins have different width.

Notice: All sampling methods either use raw data or histogram. It is possible to set both types of data; however, it is not checked whether the given histogram corresponds to possibly given raw data.

: int unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_domain (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double xmin, double xmax)

Set a domain of a histogram with bins of equal width. xmin and xmax give the lower and upper bound of the histogram, respectively.

: int unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_bins (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* bins, int n_bins)

Set location of bins of a histogram with n_bins bins. Hence bins must be an array of length n_bins. The domain of the distribution is automatically set by this call and overrides any calls to unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_domain. Important: The probabilities of the bins of the distribution must be already be set by a unur_distr_cemp_set_hist_prob (or a unur_distr_cemp_set_hist call) and the value of n_bins must equal n_prob+1 from the corresponding value of the respective call.


4.5 Continuous multivariate distributions

The following calls handle multivariate distributions. However, the requirements of particular generation methods is not as unique as for univariate distributions. Moreover, random vector generation methods are still under development. The below functions are a first attempt to handle this situation.

Notice that some of the parameters – when given carelessly – might contradict to others. For example: Some methods require the marginal distribution and some methods need a standardized form of the marginal distributions, where the actual mean and variance is stored in the mean vector and the covariance matrix, respectively.

We also have to mention that some methods might abuse some of the parameters. Please read the discription of the chosen sampling method carfully.

The following kind of calls exists:

  • Create a new instance of a continuous multivariate distribution;
  • Handle and evaluate probability density function (PDF, pdf) and the gradient of the density function (dpdf). The following is important:
    • pdf need not be normalized, i.e., any integrable nonnegative function can be used.
    • dpdf must the derivate of the function provided as pdf.
  • Handle and evaluate the logarithm of the probability density function (logPDF, logpdf) and the gradient of the logarithm of the density function (dlogpdf).

    Some methods use the logarithm of the density if available.

  • Set (and change) parameters (pdfparams) and the volume below the graph (pdfvol) of the given density.
  • Set mode and mean of the distribution.
  • Set the center of the distribution. It is used by some generation methods to adjust the parameters of the generation algorithms to gain better performance. It can be seens as the location of the “central part” of the distribution.
  • Handle the covariance matrix of the distribution and its cholesky and invverse matrices.
  • Set the rankcorrelation matrix of the distribution.
  • Deal with marginal distributions.
  • Set domain of the distribution.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_cvec_new (int dim)

Create a new (empty) object for multivariate continuous distribution. dim is the number of components of the random vector (i.e. its dimension). It is also possible to use dimension 1. Notice, however, that this is treated as a distribution of random vectors with only one component and not as a distribution of real numbers. For the latter unur_distr_cont_new should be used to create an object for a univariate distribution.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CVEC* pdf)

Set respective pointer to the PDF of the distribution. This function must be of type double funct(const double *x, UNUR_DISTR *distr), where x must be a pointer to a double array of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call).

It is not necessary that the given PDF is normalized, i.e. the integral need not be 1. Nevertheless the volume below the PDF can be provided by a unur_distr_cvec_set_pdfvol call.

It is not possible to change the PDF. Once the PDF is set it cannot be overwritten. This also holds when the logPDF is given. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_dpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_VFUNCT_CVEC* dpdf)

Set pointer to the gradient of the PDF. The type of this function must be int funct(double *result, const double *x, UNUR_DISTR *distr), where result and x must be pointers to double arrays of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call). The gradient of the PDF is stored in the array result. The function should return an error code in case of an error and must return UNUR_SUCCESS otherwise.

The given function must be the gradient of the function given by a unur_distr_cvec_set_pdf call.

It is not possible to change the gradient of the PDF. Once the dPDF is set it cannot be overwritten. This also holds when the gradient of the logPDF is given. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCTD_CVEC* pdpdf)

Set pointer to partial derivatives of the PDF. The type of this function must be double funct(const double *x, int coord, UNUR_DISTR *distr), where x must be a pointer to a double array of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call). coord is the coordinate for which the partial dervative should be computed.

Notice that coord must be an integer from {0,…,dim-1}.

It is not possible to change the partial derivative of the PDF. Once the pdPDF is set it cannot be overwritten. This also holds when the partial derivative of the logPDF is given. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

: UNUR_FUNCT_CVEC* unur_distr_cvec_get_pdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the pointer to the PDF of the distribution. The pointer is of type double funct(const double *x, UNUR_DISTR *distr). If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, the NULL pointer is returned.

: UNUR_VFUNCT_CVEC* unur_distr_cvec_get_dpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the pointer to the gradient of the PDF of the distribution. The pointer is of type int double funct(double *result, const double *x, UNUR_DISTR *distr). If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, the NULL pointer is returned.

: double unur_distr_cvec_eval_pdf (const double* x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the PDF of the distribution at x. x must be a pointer to a double array of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call) that contains the vector for which the function has to be evaluated.

Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_cvec_eval_dpdf (double* result, const double* x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the gradient of the PDF of the distribution at x. The result is stored in the double array result. Both result and x must be pointer to double arrays of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call).

Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, an error code is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA (result is left unmodified).

: double unur_distr_cvec_eval_pdpdf (const double* x, int coord, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the partial derivative of the PDF of the distribution at x for the coordinate coord. x must be a pointer to a double array of appropriate size (i.e. of the same size as given to the unur_distr_cvec_new call) that contains the vector for which the function has to be evaluated.

Notice that coord must be an integer from {0,…,dim-1}.

Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_logpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_CVEC* logpdf)
: int unur_distr_cvec_set_dlogpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_VFUNCT_CVEC* dlogpdf)
: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdlogpdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCTD_CVEC* pdlogpdf)
: UNUR_FUNCT_CVEC* unur_distr_cvec_get_logpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: UNUR_VFUNCT_CVEC* unur_distr_cvec_get_dlogpdf (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cvec_eval_logpdf (const double* x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: int unur_distr_cvec_eval_dlogpdf (double* result, const double* x, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_cvec_eval_pdlogpdf (const double* x, int coord, UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Analogous calls for the logarithm of the density function.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_mean (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* mean)

Set mean vector for multivariate distribution. mean must be a pointer to an array of size dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. A NULL pointer for mean is interpreted as the zero vector (0,…,0).

Important: If the parameters of a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) are changed, then neither its mode nor the normalization constant are updated. Please use the respective calls unur_distr_cvec_upd_mode and unur_distr_cvec_upd_pdfvol.

: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_mean (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the mean vector of the distribution. The function returns a pointer to an array of size dim. If the mean vector is not marked as known the NULL pointer is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.

Important: Do not modify the array that holds the mean vector!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_covar (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* covar)

Set covariance matrix for multivariate distribution. covar must be a pointer to an array of size dim x dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. The rows of the matrix have to be stored consecutively in this array.

covar must be a variance-covariance matrix of the distribution, i.e. it must be symmetric and positive definit and its diagonal entries (i.e. the variance of the components of the random vector) must be strictly positive. The Cholesky factor is computed (and stored) to verify the positive definiteness condition. Notice that the inverse of the given covariance matrix is automatically computed when it is requested by some routine. Notice that the computation of this inverse matrix is unstable in case of high correlations and/or high dimensions. Thus it might fail and methods that require this inverse cannot be used. As an alternative the inverse of the covariance matrix can be directly set by a unur_distr_cvec_set_covar_inv call.

A NULL pointer for covar is interpreted as the identity matrix.

Important: This entry is abused in some methods which do not require the covariance matrix. It is then used to perform some transformation to obtain better performance.

Important: In case of an error (e.g. because covar is not a valid covariance matrix) an error code is returned. Moreover, the covariance matrix is not set and is marked as unknown. A previously set covariance matrix is then no longer available.

Important: If the parameters of a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) are changed, then neither its mode nor the normalization constant are updated. Please use the respective calls unur_distr_cvec_upd_mode and unur_distr_cvec_upd_pdfvol. Remark: UNU.RAN does not check whether the an eventually set covariance matrix and a rank-correlation matrix do not contradict each other.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_covar_inv (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* covar_inv)

Set inverse of the covariance matrix for multivariate distribution. covar_inv must be a pointer to an array of size dim x dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. The rows of the matrix have to be stored consecutively in this array.

covar_inv must be symmetric and positive definit. Only the symmetry of the matrix is checked.

A NULL pointer for covar_inv is interpreted as the identity matrix.

Important: In case of an error (because covar_inv is not symetric) an error code is returned. Moreover, the inverse of the covariance matrix is not set and is marked as unknown. A previously set inverse matrix is then no longer available.

Remark: UNU.RAN does not check whether the given matrix is positive definit.

Remark: UNU.RAN does not check whether the matrix covar_inv is the inverse of the eventually set covariance matrix.

: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_covar (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_cholesky (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_covar_inv (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get covariance matrix of distribution, its Cholesky factor, and its inverse, respectively. The function returns a pointer to an array of size dim x dim. The rows of the matrix are stored consecutively in this array. If the requested matrix is not marked as known the NULL pointer is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.

Important: Do not modify the array that holds the covariance matrix!

Remark: The inverse of the covariance matrix is computed if it is not already stored.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_rankcorr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* rankcorr)

Set rank-correlation matrix (Spearman’s correlation) for multivariate distribution. rankcorr must be a pointer to an array of size dim x dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. The rows of the matrix have to be stored consecutively in this array.

rankcorr must be a rank-correlation matrix of the distribution, i.e. it must be symmetric and positive definite and its diagonal entries must be equal to 1.

The Cholesky factor is computed (and stored) to verify the positive definiteness condition.

A NULL pointer for rankcorr is interpreted as the identity matrix.

Important: In case of an error (e.g. because rankcorr is not a valid rank-correlation matrix) an error code is returned. Moreover, the rank-correlation matrix is not set and is marked as unknown. A previously set rank-correlation matrix is then no longer available.

Remark: UNU.RAN does not check whether the an eventually set covariance matrix and a rank-correlation matrix do not contradict each other.

: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_rankcorr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_rk_cholesky (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get rank-correlation matrix and its cholesky factor, respectively, of distribution. The function returns a pointer to an array of size dim x dim. The rows of the matrix are stored consecutively in this array. If the requested matrix is not marked as known the NULL pointer is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.

Important: Do not modify the array that holds the rank-correlation matrix!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_marginals (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_DISTR* marginal)

Sets marginal distributions of the given distribution to the same marginal distribution object. The marginal distribution must be an instance of a continuous univariate distribution object. Notice that the marginal distribution is copied into the distribution object.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_array (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_DISTR** marginals)

Analogously to the above unur_distr_cvec_set_marginals call. However, now an array marginals of the pointers to each of the marginal distributions must be given. It must be an array of size dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. Notice: Local copies for each of the entries are stored in the distribution object. If some of these entries are identical (i.e. contain the same pointer), then for each of these a new copy is made.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_list (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, ...)

Similar to the above unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_array call. However, now the pointers to the particular marginal distributions can be given as parameter and does not require an array of pointers. Additionally the given distribution objects are immediately destroyed. Thus calls like unur_distr_normal can be used as arguments. (With unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_array the result of such call has to be stored in a pointer since it has to be freed afterwarts to avoid memory leaks!)

The number of pointers to in the list of function arguments must be equal to the dimension of the distribution, i.e. the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim. If one of the given pointer to marginal distributions is the NULL pointer then the marginal distributions of distribution are not set (or previous settings are not changed) and an error code is returned.

Important: All distribution objects given in the argument list are destroyed!

: const UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_cvec_get_marginal (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int n)

Get pointer to the n-th marginal distribution object from the given multivariate distribution. If this does not exist, NULL is returned. The marginal distributions are enumerated from 1 to dim, where dim is the dimension returned by unur_distr_get_dim.

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdfparams (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* params, int n_params)

Sets array of parameters for distribution. There is an upper limit for the number of parameters n_params. It is given by the macro UNUR_DISTR_MAXPARAMS in unuran_config.h. (It is set to 5 by default but can be changed to any appropriate nonnegative number.) If n_params is negative or exceeds this limit no parameters are copied into the distribution object and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_NPARAMS.

For standard distributions from the UNU.RAN library the parameters are checked. Moreover, the domain is updated automatically. If the given parameters are invalid for the standard distribution, then no parameters are set and an error code is returned. Notice that the given parameter list for such a distribution is handled in the same way as in the corresponding new calls, i.e. optional parameters for the PDF that are not present in the given list are (re-)set to their default values.

Important: If the parameters of a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) are changed, then neither its mode nor the normalization constant are updated. Please use the respective calls unur_distr_cvec_upd_mode and unur_distr_cvec_upd_pdfvol.

: int unur_distr_cvec_get_pdfparams (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** params)

Get number of parameters of the PDF and set pointer params to array of parameters. If no parameters are stored in the object, an error code is returned and params is set to NULL.

Important: Do not change the entries in params!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdfparams_vec (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int par, const double* param_vec, int n_params)

This function provides an interface for additional vector parameters for a multivariate distribution besides mean vector and covariance matrix which have their own calls.

It sets the parameter with number par. par indicates directly which of the parameters is set and must be a number between 0 and UNUR_DISTR_MAXPARAMS-1 (the upper limit of possible parameters defined in unuran_config.h; it is set to 5 but can be changed to any appropriate nonnegative number.)

The entries of a this parameter are given by the array param_vec of size n_params. Notice that using this interface an An (n x m)-matrix has to be stored in an array of length n_params = n times m; where the rows of the matrix are stored consecutively in this array.

Due to great variety of possible parameters for a multivariate distribution there is no simpler interface.

If param_vec is NULL then the corresponding entry is cleared.

Important: If the parameters of a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) are changed, then neither its mode nor the normalization constant are updated. Please use the respective calls unur_distr_cvec_upd_mode and unur_distr_cvec_upd_pdfvol. If an error occurs no parameters are copied into the parameter object unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_cvec_get_pdfparams_vec (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int par, const double** param_vecs)

Get parameter of the PDF with number par. The pointer to the parameter array is stored in param_vecs, its size is returned by the function. If the requested parameter is not set, then an error code is returned and params is set to NULL.

Important: Do not change the entries in param_vecs!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_domain_rect (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* lowerleft, const double* upperright)

Set rectangular domain for distribution with lowerleft and upperright vertices. Both must be pointer to an array of the size returned by unur_distr_get_dim. A NULL pointer is interpreted as the zero vector (0,…,0). For setting a coordinate of the boundary to +/- infinity use +/- UNUR_INFINITY. The lowerleft vertex must be strictly smaller than upperright in each component. Otherwise no domain is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

By default the domain of a distribution is unbounded. Thus one can use this call to truncate an existing distribution.

Important: Changing the domain of distribution marks derived parameters like the mode or the center as unknown and must be set after changing the domain. This is important for the already set (or default) value for the center does not fall into the given domain. Notice that calls of the PDF and derived functions return 0. when the parameter is not contained in the domain.

: int unur_distr_cvec_is_indomain (const double* x, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Check whether x falls into the domain of distribution.

Derived parameters

The following paramters must be set whenever one of the essential parameters has been set or changed (and the parameter is required for the chosen method).

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* mode)

Set mode of the distribution. mode must be a pointer to an array of the size returned by unur_distr_get_dim. A NULL pointer for mode is interpreted as the zero vector (0,…,0).

: int unur_distr_cvec_upd_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the mode of the distribution. This call works properly for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. If it failes unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get mode of the distribution. The function returns a pointer to an array of the size returned by unur_distr_get_dim. If the mode is not marked as known the NULL pointer is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET. (There is no difference between the case where no routine for computing the mode is available and the case where no mode exists for the distribution at all.)

Important: Do not modify the array that holds the mode!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_center (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* center)

Set center of the distribution. center must be a pointer to an array of the size returned by unur_distr_get_dim. A NULL pointer for center is interpreted as the zero vector (0,…,0).

The center is used by some methods to shift the distribution in order to decrease numerical round-off error. If not given explicitly a default is used. Moreover, it is used as starting point for several numerical search algorithm (e.g. for the mode). Then center must be a pointer where the call to the PDF returns a non-zero value. In particular center must contained in the domain of the distribution.

Default: The mode, if given by a unur_distr_cvec_set_mode call; else the mean, if given by a unur_distr_cvec_set_mean call; otherwise the null vector (0,…,0).

: const double* unur_distr_cvec_get_center (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get center of the distribution. The function returns a pointer to an array of the size returned by unur_distr_get_dim. It always returns some point as there always exists a default for the center, see unur_distr_cvec_set_center. Important: Do not modify the array that holds the center!

: int unur_distr_cvec_set_pdfvol (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double volume)

Set the volume below the PDF. If vol is non-positive, no volume is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

: int unur_distr_cvec_upd_pdfvol (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the volume below the PDF of the distribution. It only works for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. Otherwise unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

This call also sets the normalization constant such that the given PDF is the derivative of a given CDF, i.e. the volume is 1.

: double unur_distr_cvec_get_pdfvol (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the volume below the PDF of the distribution. If this volume is not known,
unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea is called to compute it. If this is not successful UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.


4.6 Continuous univariate full conditional distribution

Full conditional distribution for a given continuous multivariate distributiion. The condition is a position vector and either a variable that is variated or a vector that indicates the direction on which the random vector can variate.

There is a subtle difference between using direction vector and using the k-th variable. When a direction vector is given the PDF of the conditional distribution is defined by f(t) = PDF(pos + t * dir). When a variable is selected the full conditional distribution with all other variables fixed is used.

This is a special case of a continuous univariate distribution and thus they have most of these parameters (with the exception that functions cannot be changed). Additionally,

  • there is a call to extract the underlying multivariate distribution,
  • and a call to handle the variables that are fixed and the direction for changing the random vector.

This distibution type is primarily used for evaluation the conditional distribution and its derivative (as required for, e.g., the Gibbs sampler). The density is not normalized (i.e. does not integrate to one). Mode and area are not available and it does not make sense to use any call to set or change parameters except the ones given below.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_condi_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* pos, const double* dir, int k)

Create an object for full conditional distribution for the given distribution. The condition is given by a position vector pos and either the k-th variable that is variated or the vector dir that contains the direction on which the random vector can variate.

distribution must be a pointer to a multivariate continuous distribution. pos must be a pointer to an array of size dim, where dim is the dimension of the underlying distribution object. dir must be a pointer to an array if size dim or NULL. k must be in the range 0, …, dim-1. If the k-th variable is used, dir must be set to NULL.

Notice: There is a subtle difference between using direction vector dir and using the k-th variable. When dir is given, the current position pos is mapped into 0 of the conditional distribution and the derivative is taken from the function PDF(pos+t*dir) w.r.t. t. On the other hand, when the coordinate k is used (i.e., when dir is set to NULL), the full conditional distribution of the distribution is considered (as used for the Gibbs sampler). In particular, the current point is just projected into the one-dimensional subspace without mapping it into the point 0.

Notice: If a coordinate k is used, then the k-th partial derivative is used if it as available. Otherwise the gradient is computed and the k-th component is returned.

The resulting generator object is of the same type as of a unur_distr_cont_new call.

: int unur_distr_condi_set_condition (struct unur_distr* distribution, const double* pos, const double* dir, int k)

Set/change condition for conditional distribution. Change values of fixed variables to pos and use direction dir or k-th variable of conditional distribution.

pos must be a pointer to an array of size dim, where dim is the dimension of the underlying distribution object. dir must be a pointer to an array if size dim or NULL. k must be in the range 0, …, dim-1. If the k-th variable is used, dir must be set to NULL.

Notice: There is a subtle difference between using direction vector dir and using the k-th variable. When dir is given, the current position pos is mapped into 0 of the conditional distribution and the derivative is taken from the function PDF(pos+t*dir) w.r.t. t. On the other hand, when the coordinate k is used (i.e., when dir is set to NULL), the full conditional distribution of the distribution is considered (as used for the Gibbs sampler). In particular, the current point is just projected into the one-dimensional subspace without mapping it into the point 0.

: int unur_distr_condi_get_condition (struct unur_distr* distribution, const double** pos, const double** dir, int* k)

Get condition for conditional distribution. The values for the fixed variables are stored in pos, which must be a pointer to an array of size dim. The condition is stored in dir and k, respectively.

Important: Do not change the entries in pos and dir!

: const UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_condi_get_distribution (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get pointer to distribution object for underlying distribution.


4.7 Continuous empirical multivariate distributions

Empirical multivariate distributions are just lists of vectors (with the same dimension). Thus there are only calls to insert these data. How these data are used to sample from the empirical distribution depends from the chosen generation method.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_cvemp_new (int dim)

Create a new (empty) object for an empirical multivariate continuous distribution. dim is the number of components of the random vector (i.e. its dimension). It must be at least 2; otherwise unur_distr_cemp_new should be used to create an object for an empirical univariate distribution.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_cvemp_set_data (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* sample, int n_sample)

Set observed sample for empirical distribution. sample is an array of doubles of size dim x n_sample, where dim is the dimension of the distribution returned by unur_distr_get_dim. The data points must be stored consecutively in sample, i.e., data points (x1, y1), (x2, y2), … are given as an array {x1, y1, x2, y2, …}.

: int unur_distr_cvemp_read_data (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* filename)

Read data from file filename. It reads the first dim numbers from each line, where dim is the dimension of the distribution returned by unur_distr_get_dim. Numbers are parsed by means of the C standard routine strtod. Lines that do not start with +, -, ., or a digit are ignored. (Beware of lines starting with a blank!)

In case of an error (file cannot be opened, too few entries in a line, invalid string for double in line) no data are copied into the distribution object and an error code is returned.

: int unur_distr_cvemp_get_data (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** sample)

Get number of samples and set pointer sample to array of observations. If no sample has been given, an error code is returned and sample is set to NULL. If successful sample points to an array of length dim x n_sample, where dim is the dimension of the distribution returned by unur_distr_get_dim and n_sample the return value of the function.

Important: Do not modify the array sample.


4.8 MATRix distributions

Distributions for random matrices. Notice that UNU.RAN uses arrays of doubles to handle matrices. The rows of the matrix are stored consecutively.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_matr_new (int n_rows, int n_cols)

Create a new (empty) object for a matrix distribution. n_rows and n_cols are the respective numbers of rows and columns of the random matrix (i.e. its dimensions). It is also possible to have only one number or rows and/or columns. Notice, however, that this is treated as a distribution of random matrices with only one row or column or component and not as a distribution of vectors or real numbers. For the latter unur_distr_cont_new or unur_distr_cvec_new should be used to create an object for a univariate distribution and a multivariate (vector) distribution, respectively.

Essential parameters

: int unur_distr_matr_get_dim (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int* n_rows, int* n_cols)

Get number of rows and columns of random matrix (its dimension). It returns the total number of components. If successfull UNUR_SUCCESS is returned.


4.9 Discrete univariate distributions

The calls in this section can be applied to discrete univariate distributions.

  • Create a new instance of a discrete univariate distribution.
  • Handle and evaluate distribution function (CDF, cdf) and probability mass function (PMF, pmf). The following is important:
    • pmf need not be normalized, i.e., any summable nonnegative function on the set of intergers can be used.
    • cdf must be a distribution function, i.e. it must be monotonically increasing with range [0,1].
    • If cdf and pdf are used together for a pariticular generation method, then pmf must be normalized, i.e. it must sum to 1.
  • Alternatively, cdf and pdf can be provided as strings instead of function pointers.
  • Some generation methods require a (finite) probability vector (PV, pv), i.e. an array of doubles. It can be automatically computed if the pmf is given but pv is not.
  • Set (and change) parameters (pmfparams) and the total sum (pmfsum) of the given PMF or PV.
  • Set the mode of the distribution.
  • Set the domain of the distribution.

Function reference

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_distr_discr_new (void)

Create a new (empty) object for a univariate discrete distribution.

Essential parameters

There are two interfaces for discrete univariate distributions: Either provide a (finite) probability vector (PV). Or provide a probability mass function (PMF). For the latter case there are also a couple of derived parameters that are not required when a PV is given.

It is not possible to set both a PMF and a PV directly. However, the PV can be computed from the PMF (or the CDF if no PMF is available) by means of a unur_distr_discr_make_pv call. If both the PV and the PMF are given in the distribution object it depends on the generation method which of these is used.

: int unur_distr_discr_set_pv (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* pv, int n_pv)

Set finite probability vector (PV) for the distribution. It is not necessary that the entries in the given PV sum to 1. n_pv must be positive. However, there is no testing whether all entries in pv are non-negative.

If no domain has been set, then the left boundary is set to 0, by default. If n_pv is too large, e.g. because left boundary + n_pv exceeds the range of integers, then the call fails.

Notice that it is not possible to set both a PV and a PMF or CDF. If the PMF or CDF is set first one cannot set the PV. If the PMF or CDF is set first after a PV is set, the latter is removed (and recomputed using unur_distr_discr_make_pv when required).

: int unur_distr_discr_make_pv (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Compute a PV when a PMF or CDF is given. However, when the domain is not given or is too large and the sum over the PMF is given then the (right) tail of the distribution is chopped off such that the probability for the tail region is less than 1.e-8. If the sum over the PMF is not given a PV of maximal length is computed.

The maximal size of the created PV is bounded by the macro UNUR_MAX_AUTO_PV that is defined in unuran_config.h.

If successful, the length of the generated PV is returned. If the sum over the PMF on the chopped tail is not neglible small (i.e. greater than 1.e-8 or unknown) than the negative of the length of the PV is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

Notice that the left boundary of the PV is set to 0 by default when a discrete distribution object is created from scratch.

If computing a PV fails for some reasons, an error code is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

: int unur_distr_discr_get_pv (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** pv)

Get length of PV of the distribution and set pointer pv to array of probabilities. If no PV is given, an error code is returned and pv is set to NULL.
(It does not call unur_distr_discr_make_pv !)

: int unur_distr_discr_set_pmf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_DISCR* pmf)
: int unur_distr_discr_set_cdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_FUNCT_DISCR* cdf)

Set respective pointer to the PMF and the CDF of the distribution. These functions must be of type double funct(int k, const UNUR_DISTR *distr).

It is important to note that all these functions must return a result for all integers k. E.g., if the domain of a given PMF is the interval {1,2,3,…,100}, than the given function must return 0.0 for all points outside this interval.

The default domain for the PMF or CDF is [0, INT_MAX]. The domain can be changed using a unur_distr_discr_set_domain call.

It is not possible to change such a function. Once the PMF or CDF is set it cannot be overwritten. A new distribution object has to be used instead.

Notice that it is not possible to set both a PV and a PMF or CDF. If the PMF or CDF is set first one cannot set the PV. If the PMF or CDF is set first after a PV is set, the latter is removed (and recomputed using unur_distr_discr_make_pv when required).

: int unur_distr_discr_set_invcdf (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, UNUR_IFUNCT_DISCR* invcdf)

Set inverse CDF of the distribution. invcdf must be a pointer must be of type int funct(double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr), i.e., it should return a double.

: double unur_distr_discr_eval_pv (int k, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_discr_eval_pmf (int k, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: double unur_distr_discr_eval_cdf (int k, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the PV, PMF, and the CDF, respectively, at k. Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If no PV is set for the distribution, then unur_distr_discr_eval_pv behaves like unur_distr_discr_eval_pmf. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

IMPORTANT: In the case of a truncated standard distribution these calls always return the respective values of the untruncated distribution!

: int unur_distr_discr_eval_invcdf (double u, const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Evaluate the inverse CDF at u. Notice that distribution must not be the NULL pointer. If the corresponding function is not available for the distribution, INT_MAX is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

IMPORTANT: In the case of a truncated standard distribution these calls always return the respective values of the untruncated distribution!

: int unur_distr_discr_set_pmfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* pmfstr)

This function provides an alternative way to set a PMF of the distribution. pmfstr is a character string that contains the formula for the PMF, see Function String, for details. See also the remarks for the unur_distr_discr_set_pmf call.

It is not possible to call this funtion twice or to call this function after a unur_distr_discr_set_pmf call.

: int unur_distr_discr_set_cdfstr (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const char* cdfstr)

This function provides an alternative way to set a CDF; analogously to the unur_distr_discr_set_pmfstr call.

: char* unur_distr_discr_get_pmfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)
: char* unur_distr_discr_get_cdfstr (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get pointer to respective string for PMF and CDF of distribution that is given via the string interface. This call allocates memory to produce this string. It should be freed when it is not used any more.

: int unur_distr_discr_set_pmfparams (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double* params, int n_params)

Set array of parameters for distribution. There is an upper limit for the number of parameters n_params. It is given by the macro UNUR_DISTR_MAXPARAMS in unuran_config.h. (It is set to 5 but can be changed to any appropriate nonnegative number.) If n_params is negative or exceeds this limit no parameters are copied into the distribution object and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_NPARAMS.

For standard distributions from the UNU.RAN library the parameters are checked. Moreover, the domain is updated automatically unless it has been changed before by a unur_distr_discr_set_domain call. If the given parameters are invalid for the standard distribution, then no parameters are set and an error code is returned. Notice that the given parameter list for such a distribution is handled in the same way as in the corresponding new calls, i.e. optional parameters for the PDF that are not present in the given list are (re-)set to their default values.

Important: Integer parameter must be given as doubles.

: int unur_distr_discr_get_pmfparams (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, const double** params)

Get number of parameters of the PMF and set pointer params to array of parameters. If no parameters are stored in the object, an error code is returned and params is set to NULL.

: int unur_distr_discr_set_domain (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int left, int right)

Set the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. This can also be used to truncate an existing distribution. For setting the boundary to +/- infinity use INT_MIN and INT_MAX, respectively. If right is not strictly greater than left no domain is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET. It is allowed to use this call to increase the domain. If the PV of the discrete distribution is used, than the right boudary is ignored (and internally set to left + size of PV - 1). Notice that INT_MIN and INT_MAX are interpreted as (minus/plus) infinity.

Default: [0, INT_MAX].

: int unur_distr_discr_get_domain (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int* left, int* right)

Get the left and right borders of the domain of the distribution. If the domain is not set explicitly the interval [INT_MIN, INT_MAX] is assumed and returned. When a PV is given then the domain is set automatically to [0,size of PV - 1].

Derived parameters

The following paramters must be set whenever one of the essential parameters has been set or changed (and the parameter is required for the chosen method).

: int unur_distr_discr_set_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, int mode)

Set mode of distribution.

: int unur_distr_discr_upd_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the mode of the distribution. This call works properly for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. Otherwise a (slow) numerical mode finder is used. It only works properly for unimodal probability mass functions. If it failes unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

: int unur_distr_discr_get_mode (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get mode of distribution. If the mode is not marked as known, unur_distr_discr_upd_mode is called to compute the mode. If this is not successful INT_MAX is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET. (There is no difference between the case where no routine for computing the mode is available and the case where no mode exists for the distribution at all.)

: int unur_distr_discr_set_pmfsum (UNUR_DISTR* distribution, double sum)

Set the sum over the PMF. If sum is non-positive, no sum is set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_SET.

For a distribution object created by the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions you always should use the unur_distr_discr_upd_pmfsum. Otherwise there might be ambiguous side-effects.

: int unur_distr_discr_upd_pmfsum (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Recompute the sum over the PMF of the distribution. In most cases the normalization constant is recomputed and thus the sum is 1. This call works for distribution objects from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions when the corresponding function is available. When a PV, a PMF with finite domain, or a CDF is given, a simple generic function which uses a naive summation loop is used. If this computation is not possible, an error code is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_DATA.

The call does not work for distributions from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions with truncated domain when the CDF is not available.

: double unur_distr_discr_get_pmfsum (UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get the sum over the PMF of the distribution. If this sum is not known, unur_distr_discr_upd_pmfsum is called to compute it. If this is not successful UNUR_INFINITY is returned and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DISTR_GET.


5 Methods for generating non-uniform random variates

Sampling from a particular distribution with UNU.RAN requires the following steps:

  1. Create a distribution object (see Handling distribution objects).
  2. Select a method and create a parameter object.
  3. Initizialize the generator object using unur_init. Important: Initialization of the generator object might fail. unur_init returns a NULL pointer then, which must not be used for sampling.
  4. Draw a sample from the generator object using the corresponding sampling function (depending on the type of distribution: univariate continuous, univariate discrete, multivariate continuous, and random matrix).
  5. It is possible for a generator object to change the parameters and the domain of the underlying distribution. This must be done by extracting this object by means of a unur_get_distr call and changing the distribution using the correspondig set calls, see Handling distribution objects. The generator object must then be reinitialized by means of the unur_reinit call.

    Important: Currently not all methods allow reinitialization, see the description of the particular method (keyword Reinit).

    Important: Reinitialization of the generator object might fail. Thus one must check the return code of the unur_reinit call.

    Important: When reinitialization fails then sampling routines always return UNUR_INFINITY (for continuous distributions) or 0 (for discrete distributions), respectively. However, it is still possible to change the underlying distribution and try to reinitialize again.


5.1 Routines for all generator objects

Routines for all generator objects.

Function reference

: UNUR_GEN* unur_init (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Initialize a generator object. All necessary information must be stored in the parameter object.

Important: If an error has occurred a NULL pointer is return. This must not be used for the sampling routines (this causes a segmentation fault).

Always check whether the call was successful or not!

Important: This call destroys the parameter object automatically. Thus it is not necessary/allowed to free it.

: int unur_reinit (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Update an existing generator object after the underlying distribution has been modified (using unur_get_distr together with corresponding set calls. It must be executed before sampling using this generator object is continued as otherwise it produces an invalid sample or might even cause a segmentation fault.

Important: Currently not all methods allow reinitialization, see the description of the particular method (keyword Reinit).

Important: Reinitialization of the generator object might fail. Thus one must check the return code:

UNUR_SUCCESS (0x0u)

success (no error)

UNUR_ERR_NO_REINIT

reinit routine not implemented.

other values

some error has occured while trying to reinitialize the generator object.

Important: When reinitialization fails then sampling routines always return UNUR_INFINITY (for continuous distributions) or 0 (for discrete distributions), respectively. However, it is still possible to change the underlying distribution and try to reinitialize again.

Important: When one tries to run unur_reinit but reinitialization is not implemented, then the generator object cannot be used any more and must be destroyed and a new one has to be built from scratch.

: int unur_sample_discr (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: double unur_sample_cont (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_sample_vec (UNUR_GEN* generator, double* vector)
: int unur_sample_matr (UNUR_GEN* generator, double* matrix)

Sample from generator object. The three routines depend on the type of the generator object (discrete or continuous univariate distribution, multivariate distribution, or random matrix).

Notice: UNU.RAN uses arrays of doubles to handle matrices. There the rows of the matrix are stored consecutively.

Notice: The routines unur_sample_vec and unur_sample_matr return UNUR_SUCCESS if generation was successful and some error code otherwise.

Important: These routines do not check whether generator is an invalid NULL pointer.

: double unur_quantile (UNUR_GEN* generator, double U)

Compute the U quantile of a continuous distribution using a generator object that implements an (approximate) inversion methods.

The following methods are currently available:

Important: This routine does not check whether generator is an invalid NULL pointer.

In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY or INT_MAX (depending on the type of generator) is returned.

: void unur_free (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Destroy (free) the given generator object.

: const char* unur_gen_info (UNUR_GEN* generator, int help)

Get a string with informations about the given generator. These informations allow some fine tuning of the generation method. If help is TRUE, some hints on setting parameters are given.

This function is intented for using in interactive environments (like R).

If an error occurs, then NULL is returned.

: int unur_get_dimension (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the number of dimension of a (multivariate) distribution. For a univariate distribution 1 is return.

: const char* unur_get_genid (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get identifier string for generator.

: unsigned int unur_get_method (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get identifier for generating method. These identifiers are declared in src/methods/unur_metthods.h.

: int unur_gen_is_inversion (const UNUR_GEN* gen)

Return TRUE if the generator object implements an inversion method, and FALSE otherwise.

: UNUR_DISTR* unur_get_distr (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get pointer to distribution object from generator object. This function can be used to change the parameters of the distribution and reinitialize the generator object. Notice that currently not all generating methods have a reinitialize routine. This function should be used with extreme care. Changing the distribution is changed and using the generator object without reinitializing might cause wrong samples or segmentation faults. Moreover, if the corresponding generator object is freed, the pointer must not be used.

Important: The returned distribution object must not be freed. If the distribution object is changed then one must run unur_reinit !

: int unur_set_use_distr_privatecopy (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int use_privatecopy)

Set flag whether the generator object should make a private copy of the given distribution object or just stores the pointer to this distribution object. Values for use_privatecopy:

TRUE

make a private copy (default)

FALSE

do not make a private copy and store pointer to given (external) distribution object.

By default, generator objects keep their own private copy of the given distribution object. Thus the generator object can be handled independently from other UNU.RAN objects (with uniform random number generators as the only exception). When the generator object is initialized the given distribution object is cloned and stored.

However, in some rare situations it can be useful when only the pointer to the given distribution object is stored without making a private copy. A possible example is when only one random variate has to be drawn from the distribution. This behavior can be achieved when use_localcopy is set to FALSE.

Warning! Using a pointer to the external distribution object instead of a private copy must be done with extreme care! When the distrubtion object is changed or freed then the generator object does not work any more, might case a segmentation fault, or (even worse) produces garbage. On the other hand, when the generator object is initialized or used to draw a random sampling the distribution object may be changed.

Notice: The prototypes of all unur_<method>_new calls use a const qualifier for the distribution argument. However, if use_privatecopy is set to FALSE this qualifier is discarded and the distribution might be changed.

Important! If use_localcopy is set to FALSE and the corresponding distribution object is changed then one must run unur_reinit on the generator object. (Notice that currently not all generation methods support reinitialization.)

Default: use_privatecopy is TRUE.


5.2 AUTO – Select method automatically

AUTO selects a an appropriate method for the given distribution object automatically. There are no parameters for this method, yet. But it is planned to give some parameter to describe the task for which the random variate generator is used for and thus make the choice of the generating method more appropriate. Notice that the required sampling routine for the generator object depends on the type of the given distribution object.

The chosen method also depends on the sample size for which the generator object will be used. If only a few random variates the order of magnitude of the sample size should be set via a unur_auto_set_logss call.

IMPORTANT: This is an experimental version and the method chosen may change in future releases of UNU.RAN.

For an example see Example: As short as possible.

How To Use

Create a generator object for the given distribution object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_auto_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_auto_set_logss (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int logss)

Set the order of magnitude for the size of the sample that will be generated by the generator, i.e., the the common logarithm of the sample size.

Default is 10.

Notice: This feature will be used in future releases of UNU.RAN only.


5.3 Methods for continuous univariate distributions

Overview of methods

Methods for continuous univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_cont

methodPDFdPDFCDFmodeareaother
AROUxx[x]T-concave
ARSxxT-concave
CEXTwrapper for external generator
CSTDbuild-in standard distribution
HINV[x][x]x
HRBbounded hazard rate
HRDdecreasing hazard rate
HRIincreasing hazard rate
ITDRxxxmonotone with pole
NINV[x]x
NROUx[x]
PINVx[x][~]
SROUxxxT-concave
SSRxxxT-concave
TABLxx[~]all local extrema
TDRxxT-concave
UTDRxx~T-concave

Example

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_cont.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from a continuous univariate            */
/* distribution.                                                 */
/*                                                               */
/* We build a distribution object from scratch and sample.       */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Define the PDF and dPDF of our distribution.                  */
/*                                                               */
/* Our distribution has the PDF                                  */
/*                                                               */
/*          /  1 - x*x  if |x| <= 1                              */
/*  f(x) = <                                                     */
/*          \  0        otherwise                                */
/*                                                               */

/* The PDF of our distribution:                                  */
double mypdf( double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr )
     /* The second argument (`distr') can be used for parameters */
     /* for the PDF. (We do not use parameters in our example.)  */
{
  if (fabs(x) >= 1.)
    return 0.;
  else
    return (1.-x*x);
} /* end of mypdf() */

/* The derivative of the PDF of our distribution:                */
double mydpdf( double x, const UNUR_DISTR *distr )
{
  if (fabs(x) >= 1.)
    return 0.;
  else
    return (-2.*x);
} /* end of mydpdf() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create a new distribution object from scratch.              */

  /* Get empty distribution object for a continuous distribution */
  distr = unur_distr_cont_new();

  /* Fill the distribution object -- the provided information    */
  /* must fulfill the requirements of the method choosen below.  */
  unur_distr_cont_set_pdf(distr,  mypdf);     /* PDF             */
  unur_distr_cont_set_dpdf(distr, mydpdf);    /* its derivative  */
  unur_distr_cont_set_mode(distr, 0.);        /* mode            */
  unur_distr_cont_set_domain(distr, -1., 1.); /* domain          */

  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);

  /* Set some parameters of the method TDR.                      */
  unur_tdr_set_variant_gw(par);
  unur_tdr_set_max_sqhratio(par, 0.90);
  unur_tdr_set_c(par, -0.5);
  unur_tdr_set_max_intervals(par, 100);
  unur_tdr_set_cpoints(par, 10, NULL);

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* Notice that this call has also destroyed the parameter      */
  /* object `par' as a side effect.                              */

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Example (String API)

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_cont_str.c                                      */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from a continuous univariate            */
/* distribution.                                                 */

/* We use a generic distribution object and sample.              */
/*                                                               */
/* The PDF of our distribution is given by                       */
/*                                                               */
/*          /  1 - x*x  if |x| <= 1                              */
/*  f(x) = <                                                     */
/*          \  0        otherwise                                */
/*                                                               */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  /* Use a generic continuous distribution.                      */
  /* Choose a method: TDR.                                       */
  gen = unur_str2gen(
           "distr = cont; pdf=\"1-x*x\"; domain=(-1,1); mode=0. & \
            method=tdr; variant_gw; max_sqhratio=0.90; c=-0.5; \
            max_intervals=100; cpoints=10");

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

5.3.1 AROU – Automatic Ratio-Of-Uniforms method

Required:

T-concave PDF, dPDF

Optional:

mode

Speed:

Set-up: slow, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[LJa00]

AROU is a variant of the ratio-of-uniforms method that uses the fact that the transformed region is convex for many distributions. It works for all T-concave distributions with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x).

It is possible to use this method for correlation induction by setting an auxiliary uniform random number generator via the unur_set_urng_aux call. (Notice that this must be done after a possible unur_set_urng call.) When an auxiliary generator is used then the number of used uniform random numbers that is used up for one generated random variate is constant and equal to 1.

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not while sampling. It can be switched on by calling unur_arou_set_verify and unur_arou_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (much) slower then.

For densities with modes not close to 0 it is suggested to set either the mode or the center of the distribution by the unur_distr_cont_set_mode or unur_distr_cont_set_center call. The latter is the approximate location of the mode or the mean of the distribution. This location provides some information about the main part of the PDF and is used to avoid numerical problems.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_arou_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_arou_set_usedars (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usedars)

If usedars is set to TRUE, “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling” (DARS) is used in setup. Segments where the area between hat and squeeze is too large compared to the average area between hat and squeeze over all intervals are split. This procedure is repeated until the ratio between area below squeeze and area below hat exceeds the bound given by unur_arou_set_max_sqhratio call or the maximum number of segments is reached. Moreover, it also aborts when no more segments can be found for splitting.

Segments are split such that the angle of the segments are halved (corresponds to arc-mean rule of method TDR (see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection)).

Default is TRUE.

: int unur_arou_set_darsfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling”. This factor is used to determine the segments that are “too large”, that is, all segments where the area between squeeze and hat is larger than factor times the average area over all intervals between squeeze and hat. Notice that all segments are split when factor is set to 0., and that there is no splitting at all when factor is set to UNUR_INFINITY.

Default is 0.99. There is no need to change this parameter.

: int unur_arou_set_max_sqhratio (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double max_ratio)

Set upper bound for the ratio (area inside squeeze) / (area inside envelope). It must be a number between 0 and 1. When the ratio exceeds the given number no further construction points are inserted via adaptive rejection sampling. Use 0 if no construction points should be added after the setup. Use 1 if adding new construction points should not be stopped until the maximum number of construction points is reached.

Default is 0.99.

: double unur_arou_get_sqhratio (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the current ratio (area inside squeeze) / (area inside envelope) for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_arou_get_hatarea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the hat for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_arou_get_squeezearea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the squeeze for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: int unur_arou_set_max_segments (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_segs)

Set maximum number of segements. No construction points are added after the setup when the number of segments succeeds max_segs.

Default is 100.

: int unur_arou_set_cpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_stp, const double* stp)

Set construction points for enveloping polygon. If stp is NULL, then a heuristical rule of thumb is used to get n_stp construction points. This is the default behavior when this routine is not called. The (default) number of construction points is 30, then.

: int unur_arou_set_usecenter (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usecenter)

Use the center as construction point. Default is TRUE.

: int unur_arou_set_guidefactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for relative size of the guide table for indexed search (see also method DGT DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)). It must be greater than or equal to 0. When set to 0, then sequential search is used.

Default is 2.

: int unur_arou_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_arou_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_arou_set_pedantic (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int pedantic)

Sometimes it might happen that unur_init has been executed successfully. But when additional construction points are added by adaptive rejection sampling, the algorithm detects that the PDF is not T-concave.

With pedantic being TRUE, the sampling routine is then exchanged by a routine that simply returns UNUR_INFINITY. Otherwise the new point is not added to the list of construction points. At least the hat function remains T-concave.

Setting pedantic to FALSE allows sampling from a distribution which is “almost” T-concave and small errors are tolerated. However it might happen that the hat function cannot be improved significantly. When the hat function that has been constructed by the unur_init call is extremely large then it might happen that the generation times are extremely high (even hours are possible in extremely rare cases).

Default is FALSE.


5.3.2 ARS – Adaptive Rejection Sampling

Required:

concave logPDF, derivative of logPDF

Optional:

mode

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[GWa92] [HLD04: Cha.4]

ARS is an acceptance/rejection method that uses the concavity of the log-density function to construct hat function and squeezes automatically. It is very similar to method TDR (see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection) with variant GW, parameter c = 0, and DARS switched off. Moreover, method ARS requires the logPDF and its derivative dlogPDF to run. On the other hand, it is designed to draw only a (very) small samples and it is much more robust against densities with very large or small areas below the PDF as it occurs, for example, in conditional distributions of (high dimensional) multivariate distributions. Additionally, it can be re-initialized when the underlying distribution has been modified. Thus it is well suited for Gibbs sampling.

Notice, that method ARS is a restricted version of TDR. If the full functionally of Transformed Density Rejection is needed use method TDR – Transformed Density Rejection.

How To Use

Method ARS is designed for distributions with log-concave densities. To use this method you need a distribution object with the logarithm of the PDF and its derivative given.

The number of construction points as well as a set of such points can be provided using unur_ars_set_cpoints. Notice that addition construction points are added by means of adaptive rejection sampling until the maximal number of intervals given by unur_ars_set_max_intervals is reached.

A generated distribution object can be reinitialized using the unur_reinit call. When unur_reinit is called construction points for the new generator are necessary. There are two options: Either the same construction points as for the initial generator (given by a unur_ars_set_cpoints call) are used (this is the default), or percentiles of the old hat function can be used. This can be set or changed using unur_ars_set_reinit_percentiles and unur_ars_chg_reinit_percentiles. This feature is usefull when the underlying distribution object is only moderately changed. (An example is Gibbs sampling with small correlations.)

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not. It can be switched on by calling unur_ars_set_verify and unur_ars_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (much) slower then.

Method ARS aborts after a given number of iterations and return UNUR_INFINITY to prevent (almost) infinite loops. This might happen when the starting hat is much too large and it is not possible to insert new construction points due to severe numerical errors or (more likely) the given PDF is not log-concave. This maximum number of iterations can be set by means of a unur_ars_set_max_iter call.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_ars_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_ars_set_max_intervals (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_ivs)

Set maximum number of intervals. No construction points are added after the setup when the number of intervals suceeds max_ivs. It is increased automatically to twice the number of construction points if this is larger.

Default is 200.

: int unur_ars_set_cpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_cpoints, const double* cpoints)

Set construction points for the hat function. If cpoints is NULL then a heuristic rule of thumb is used to get n_cpoints construction points. This is the default behavior. n_cpoints should be at least 2, otherwise defaults are used.

The default number of construction points is 2.

: int unur_ars_set_reinit_percentiles (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_percentiles, const double* percentiles)
: int unur_ars_chg_reinit_percentiles (UNUR_GEN* generator, int n_percentiles, const double* percentiles)

By default, when the generator object is reinitialized, it used the same construction points as for the initialization procedure. Often the underlying distribution object has been changed only moderately. For example, the full conditional distribution of a multivariate distribution. In this case it might be more appropriate to use percentilesm of the hat function for the last (unchanged) distribution. percentiles must then be a pointer to an ordered array of numbers between 0.01 and 0.99. If percentiles is NULL, then a heuristic rule of thumb is used to get n_percentiles values for these percentiles. Notice that n_percentiles must be at least 2, otherwise defaults are used. (Then the first and third quartiles are used by default.)

: int unur_ars_set_reinit_ncpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int ncpoints)
: int unur_ars_chg_reinit_ncpoints (UNUR_GEN* generator, int ncpoints)

When reinit fails with the given construction points or the percentiles of the old hat function, another trial is undertaken with ncpoints construction points. ncpoints must be at least 10.

Default: 30

: int unur_ars_set_max_iter (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_iter)

The rejection loop stops after max_iter iterations and return UNUR_INFINITY.

Default: 10000

: int unur_ars_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_ars_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_ars_set_pedantic (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int pedantic)

Sometimes it might happen that unur_init has been executed successfully. But when additional construction points are added by adaptive rejection sampling, the algorithm detects that the PDF is not log-concave.

With pedantic being TRUE, the sampling routine is exchanged by a routine that simply returns UNUR_INFINITY. Otherwise the new point is not added to the list of construction points. At least the hat function remains log-concave.

Setting pedantic to FALSE allows sampling from a distribution which is “almost” log-concave and small errors are tolerated. However it might happen that the hat function cannot be improved significantly. When the hat functions that has been constructed by the unur_init call is extremely large then it might happen that the generation times are extremely high (even hours are possible in extremely rare cases).

Default is FALSE.

: double unur_ars_get_loghatarea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the logarithm of area below the hat for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_ars_eval_invcdfhat (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double u)

Evaluate the inverse of the CDF of the hat distribution at u.

If u is out of the domain [0,1] then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DOMAIN and the respective bound of the domain of the distribution are returned (which is -UNUR_INFINITY or UNUR_INFINITY in the case of unbounded domains).


5.3.3 CEXT – wrapper for Continuous EXTernal generators

Required:

routine for sampling continuous random variates

Speed:

depends on external generator

Reinit:

supported

Method CEXT is a wrapper for external generators for continuous univariate distributions. It allows the usage of external random variate generators within the UNU.RAN framework.

How To Use

The following steps are required to use some external generator within the UNU.RAN framework (some of these are optional):

  1. Make an empty generator object using a unur_cext_new call. The argument distribution is optional and can be replaced by NULL. However, it is required if you want to pass parameters of the generated distribution to the external generator or for running some validation tests provided by UNU.RAN.
  2. Create an initialization routine of type int (*init)(UNUR_GEN *gen) and plug it into the generator object using the unur_cext_set_init call. Notice that the init routine must return UNUR_SUCCESS when it has been executed successfully and UNUR_FAILURE otherwise. It is possible to get the size of and the pointer to the array of parameters of the underlying distribution object by the respective calls unur_cext_get_ndistrparams and unur_cext_get_distrparams. Parameters for the external generator that are computed in the init routine can be stored in a single array or structure which is available by the unur_cext_get_params call.

    Using an init routine is optional and can be omitted.

  3. Create a sampling routine of type double (*sample)(UNUR_GEN *gen) and plug it into the generator object using the unur_cext_set_sample call.

    Uniform random numbers are provided by the unur_sample_urng call. Do not use your own implementation of a uniform random number generator directly. If you want to use your own random number generator we recommend to use the UNU.RAN interface (see see Using uniform random number generators).

    The array or structure that contains parameters for the external generator that are computed in the init routine are available using the unur_cext_get_params call.

    Using a sample routine is of course obligatory.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. The init routine is then called again.

Here is a short example that demonstrates the application of this method by means of the exponential distribution:

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_cext.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* This example shows how an external generator for the          */
/* exponential distribution with one scale parameter can be      */
/* used within the UNURAN framework.                             */
/*                                                               */
/* Notice, that this example does not provide the simplest       */
/* solution.                                                     */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Initialization routine.                                       */
/*                                                               */
/*   Here we simply read the scale parameter of the exponential  */
/*   distribution and store it in an array for parameters of     */
/*   the external generator.                                     */
/*   [ Of course we could do this in the sampling routine as     */
/*   and avoid the necessity of this initialization routine. ]   */

int exponential_init (UNUR_GEN *gen)
{ 
  /* Get pointer to parameters of exponential distribution       */
  double *params = unur_cext_get_distrparams(gen);

  /* The scale parameter is the first entry (see manual)         */
  double lambda = (params) ? params[0] : 1.;

  /* Get array to store this parameter for external generator    */
  double *genpar = unur_cext_get_params(gen, sizeof(double));
  genpar[0] = lambda;

  /* Executed successfully                                       */
  return UNUR_SUCCESS;
}

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Sampling routine.                                             */
/*                                                               */
/*   Contains the code for the external generator.               */

double exponential_sample (UNUR_GEN *gen)
{ 
  /* Get scale parameter                                         */
  double *genpar = unur_cext_get_params(gen,0);
  double lambda = genpar[0];

  /* Sample a uniformly distributed random number                */
  double U = unur_sample_urng(gen);

  /* Transform into exponentially distributed random variate     */
  return ( -log(1. - U) * lambda );
}

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */
  double x;     /* will hold the random number                   */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Use predefined exponential distribution with scale param. 2 */
  double fpar[1] = { 2. };
  distr = unur_distr_exponential(fpar, 1);

  /* Use method CEXT                                             */
  par = unur_cext_new(distr);

  /* Set initialization and sampling routines.                   */
  unur_cext_set_init(par, exponential_init);
  unur_cext_set_sample(par, exponential_sample);

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_cext_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for new generator.

: int unur_cext_set_init (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int (* init)(UNUR_GEN* gen ))

Set initialization routine for external generator. Inside the

Important: The routine init must return UNUR_SUCCESS when the generator was initialized successfully and UNUR_FAILURE otherwise.

Parameters that are computed in the init routine can be stored in an array or structure that is avaiable by means of the unur_cext_get_params call. Parameters of the underlying distribution object can be obtained by the unur_cext_get_distrparams call.

: int unur_cext_set_sample (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double (* sample)(UNUR_GEN* gen ))

Set sampling routine for external generator.

Important: Use unur_sample_urng(gen) to get a uniform random number. The pointer to the array or structure that contains the parameters that are precomputed in the init routine are available by unur_cext_get_params(gen,0). Additionally one can use the unur_cext_get_distrparams call.

: void* unur_cext_get_params (UNUR_GEN* generator, size_t size)

Get pointer to memory block for storing parameters of external generator. A memory block of size size is automatically (re-) allocated if necessary and the pointer to this block is stored in the generator object. If one only needs the pointer to this memory block set size to 0.

Notice, that size is the size of the memory block and not the length of an array.

Important: This rountine should only be used in the initialization and sampling routine of the external generator.

: double* unur_cext_get_distrparams (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_cext_get_ndistrparams (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get size of and pointer to array of parameters of underlying distribution in generator object.

Important: These rountines should only be used in the initialization and sampling routine of the external generator.


5.3.4 CSTD – Continuous STandarD distributions

Required:

standard distribution from UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions) or continuous distribution with inverse CDF.

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: depends on distribution and generator

Reinit:

supported

CSTD is a wrapper for special generators for continuous univariate standard distributions. It only works for distributions in the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) or for continuous distributions where the inverse CDF is given. If a distribution object is provided that is build from scratch, it must provide the inverse CDF. Then CSTD implements the inversion method. Otherwise, the NULL pointer is returned.

For some distributions more than one special generator is possible.

How To Use

Create a distribution object for a standard distribution from the UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions), or create a continuous distribution object and set the function for the inverse CDF using unur_distr_cont_set_invcdf. For some distributions more than one special generator (variants) is possible. These can be choosen by a unur_cstd_set_variant call. For possible variants see Standard distributions. However the following are common to all distributions:

UNUR_STDGEN_DEFAULT

the default generator.

UNUR_STDGEN_FAST

the fastest available special generator.

UNUR_STDGEN_INVERSION

the inversion method (if available).

Notice that the variant UNUR_STDGEN_FAST for a special generator may be slower than one of the universal algorithms! Additional variants may exist for particular distributions.

Sampling from truncated distributions (which can be constructed by changing the default domain of a distribution by means of unur_distr_cont_set_domain or unur_cstd_chg_truncated calls) is possible but requires the inversion method. Moreover the CDF of the distribution must be implemented.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_cstd_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for new generator. It requires a distribution object for a continuous univariant distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions).

Using a truncated distribution is allowed only if the inversion method is available and selected by the unur_cstd_set_variant call immediately after creating the parameter object. Use a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call to get a truncated distribution. To change the domain of a (truncated) distribution of a generator use the unur_cstd_chg_truncated call.

: int unur_cstd_set_variant (UNUR_PAR* parameters, unsigned variant)

Set variant (special generator) for sampling from a given distribution. For possible variants see Standard distributions.

Common variants are UNUR_STDGEN_DEFAULT for the default generator, UNUR_STDGEN_FAST for (one of the) fastest implemented special generators, and UNUR_STDGEN_INVERSION for the inversion method (if available). If the selected variant number is not implemented, then an error code is returned and the variant is not changed.

: int unur_cstd_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* generator, double left, double right)

Change left and right border of the domain of the (truncated) distribution. This is only possible if the inversion method is used. Otherwise this call has no effect and an error code is returned.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call.

It is not required to run unur_reinit after this call has been used.

Important: If the CDF is (almost) the same for left and right and (almost) equal to 0 or 1, then the truncated domain is not chanced and the call returns an error code.

Notice: If the parameters of the distribution has been changed it is recommended to set the truncated domain again, since the former call might change the domain of the distribution but not update the values for the boundaries of the truncated distribution.


5.3.5 HINV – Hermite interpolation based INVersion of CDF

Required:

CDF

Optional:

PDF, dPDF

Speed:

Set-up: (very) slow, Sampling: (very) fast

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLa03] [HLD04: Sect.7.2; Alg.7.1]

HINV is a variant of numerical inversion, where the inverse CDF is approximated using Hermite interpolation, i.e., the interval [0,1] is split into several intervals and in each interval the inverse CDF is approximated by polynomials constructed by means of values of the CDF and PDF at interval boundaries. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy by splitting a particular interval without recomputations in unaffected intervals. Three types of splines are implemented: linear, cubic, and quintic interpolation. For linear interpolation only the CDF is required. Cubic interpolation also requires PDF and quintic interpolation PDF and its derivative.

These splines have to be computed in a setup step. However, it only works for distributions with bounded domain; for distributions with unbounded domain the tails are chopped off such that the probability for the tail regions is small compared to the given u-resolution.

The method is not exact, as it only produces random variates of the approximated distribution. Nevertheless, the maximal numerical error in "u-direction" (i.e. |U-CDF(X)|, for X = "approximate inverse CDF"(U) |U-CDF(X)|) can be set to the required resolution (within machine precision). Notice that very small values of the u-resolution are possible but may increase the cost for the setup step.

As the possible maximal error is only estimated in the setup it may be necessary to set some special design points for computing the Hermite interpolation to guarantee that the maximal u-error can not be bigger than desired. Such points are points where the density is not differentiable or has a local extremum. Notice that there is no necessity to do so. However, if you do not provide these points to the algorithm there might be a small chance that the approximation error is larger than the given u-resolution, or that the required number of intervals is larger than necessary.

How To Use

HINV works for continuous univariate distribution objects with given CDF and (optional) PDF. It uses Hermite interpolation of order 1, 3 [default] or 5. The order can be set by means of unur_hinv_set_order. For distributions with unbounded domains the tails are chopped off such that the probability for the tail regions is small compared to the given u-resulution. For finding these cut points the algorithm starts with the region [-1.e20,1.e20]. For the exceptional case where this might be too small (or one knows this region and wants to avoid this search heuristics) it can be directly set via a unur_hinv_set_boundary call.

It is possible to use this method for generating from truncated distributions. It even can be changed for an existing generator object by an unur_hinv_chg_truncated call.

This method is not exact, as it only produces random variates of the approximated distribution. Nevertheless, the numerical error in "u-direction" (i.e. |U-CDF(X)|, for X = "approximate inverse CDF"(U) |U-CDF(X)|) can be controlled by means of unur_hinv_set_u_resolution. The possible maximal error is only estimated in the setup. Thus it might be necessary to set some special design points for computing the Hermite interpolation to guarantee that the maximal u-error can not be bigger than desired. Such points (e.g. extremal points of the PDF, points with infinite derivative) can be set using using the unur_hinv_set_cpoints call. If the mode for a unimodal distribution is set in the distribution object this mode is automatically used as design-point if the unur_hinv_set_cpoints call is not used.

As already mentioned the maximal error of this approximation is only estimated. If this error is crucial for an application we recommend to compute this error using unur_hinv_estimate_error which runs a small Monte Carlo simulation.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. The values given by the last unur_hinv_chg_truncated call will be then changed to the values of the domain of the underlying distribution object. Moreover, starting construction points (nodes) that are given by a unur_hinv_set_cpoints call are ignored when unur_reinit is called. It is important to note that for a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) the normalization constant has to be updated using the unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea call whenever its parameters have been changed by means of a unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams call.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hinv_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_hinv_set_order (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int order)

Set order of Hermite interpolation. Valid orders are 1, 3, and 5. Notice that order greater than 1 requires the density of the distribution, and order greater than 3 even requires the derivative of the density. Using order 1 results for most distributions in a huge number of intervals and is therefore not recommended. If the maximal error in u-direction is very small (say smaller than 1.e-10), order 5 is recommended as it leads to considerably fewer design points, as long there are no poles or heavy tails.

Remark: When the target distribution has poles or (very) heavy tails order 5 (i.e., quintic interpolation) is numerically less stable and more sensitive to round-off errors than order 3 (i.e., cubic interpolation).

Default is 3 if the density is given and 1 otherwise.

: int unur_hinv_set_u_resolution (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double u_resolution)

Set maximal error in u-direction. However, the given u-error must not be smaller than machine epsilon (DBL_EPSILON) and should not be too close to this value. As the resolution of most uniform random number sources is 2^(-32) = 2.3e-10, a value of 1.e-10 leads to an inversion algorithm that could be called exact. For most simulations slightly bigger values for the maximal error are enough as well.

Remark: The u-error might become larger than u_resolution due to rescaling of floating point numbers when the domain of the distribution is truncated by a unur_hinv_chg_truncated call.

Default is 1.e-10.

: int unur_hinv_set_cpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const double* stp, int n_stp)

Set starting construction points (nodes) for Hermite interpolation.

As the possible maximal error is only estimated in the setup it may be necessary to set some special design points for computing the Hermite interpolation to guarantee that the maximal u-error can not be bigger than desired. We suggest to include as special design points all local extrema of the density, all points where the density is not differentiable, and isolated points inside of the domain with density 0. If there is an interval with density constant equal to 0 inside of the given domain of the density, both endpoints of this interval should be included as special design points. Notice that there is no necessity to do so. However, if these points are not provided to the algorithm the approximation error might be larger than the given u-resolution, or the required number of intervals could be larger than necessary.

Important: Notice that the given points must be in increasing order and they must be disjoint.

Important: The boundary point of the computational region must not be given in this list! Points outside the boundary of the computational region are ignored.

Default is for unimodal densities - if known - the mode of the density, if it is not equal to the border of the domain.

: int unur_hinv_set_boundary (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double left, double right)

Set the left and right boundary of the computational interval. Of course +/- UNUR_INFINITY is not allowed. If the CDF at left and right is not close to the respective values 0. and 1. then this interval is increased by a (rather slow) search algorithm.

Important: This call does not change the domain of the given distribution itself. But it restricts the domain for the resulting random variates.

Default is 1.e20.

: int unur_hinv_set_guidefactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for relative size of the guide table for indexed search (see also method DGT DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)). It must be greater than or equal to 0. When set to 0, then sequential search is used.

Default is 1.

: int unur_hinv_set_max_intervals (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_ivs)

Set maximum number of intervals. No generator object is created if the necessary number of intervals for the Hermite interpolation exceeds max_ivs. It is used to prevent the algorithm to eat up all memory for very badly shaped CDFs.

Default is 1000000 (1.e6).

: int unur_hinv_get_n_intervals (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get number of nodes (design points) used for Hermite interpolation in the generator object. The number of intervals is the number of nodes minus 1. It returns an error code in case of an error.

: double unur_hinv_eval_approxinvcdf (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double u)

Evaluate Hermite interpolation of inverse CDF at u. If u is out of the domain [0,1] then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DOMAIN and the respective bound of the domain of the distribution are returned (which is -UNUR_INFINITY or UNUR_INFINITY in the case of unbounded domains).

Notice: When the domain has been truncated by a unur_hinv_chg_truncated call then the inverse CDF of the truncated distribution is returned.

: int unur_hinv_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* generator, double left, double right)

Changes the borders of the domain of the (truncated) distribution.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call. The tables of splines are not recomputed. Thus it might happen that the relative error for the generated variates from the truncated distribution is greater than the bound for the non-truncated distribution. This call also fails when the CDF values of the boundary points are too close, i.e. when only a few different floating point numbers would be computed due to round-off errors with floating point arithmetic.

Remark: The u-error might become larger than the u_resolution given by a unur_hinv_set_u_resolution call due to rescaling of floating point numbers when the domain of the distribution is truncated.

When failed an error code is returned.

Important: Always check the return code since the domain is not changed in case of an error.

: int unur_hinv_estimate_error (const UNUR_GEN* generator, int samplesize, double* max_error, double* MAE)

Estimate maximal u-error and mean absolute error (MAE) for generator by means of a (quasi-) Monte-Carlo simulation with sample size samplesize. The results are stored in max_error and MAE, respectively.

It returns UNUR_SUCCESS if successful.


5.3.6 HRB – Hazard Rate Bounded

Required:

bounded hazard rate

Optional:

upper bound for hazard rate

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.9.1.4; Alg.9.4]

Generates random variate with given hazard rate which must be bounded from above. It uses the thinning method with a constant dominating hazard function.

How To Use

HRB requires a hazard function for a continuous distribution together with an upper bound. The latter has to be set using the unur_hrb_set_upperbound call. If no such upper bound is given it is assumed that the upper bound can be achieved by evaluating the hazard rate at the left hand boundary of the domain of the distribution. Notice, however, that for decreasing hazard rate the method HRD (see Hazard Rate Decreasing) is much faster and thus the prefered method.

It is important to note that the domain of the distribution can be set via a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call. However, the left border must not be negative. Otherwise it is set to 0. This is also the default if no domain is given at all. For computational reasons the right border is always set to UNUR_INFINITY independently of the given domain. Thus for domains bounded from right the function for computing the hazard rate should return UNUR_INFINITY right of this domain.

For distributions with increasing hazard rate method HRI (see Hazard Rate Increasing) is required.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that the upper bound given by the unur_hrb_set_upperbound call cannot be changed and must be valid for the changed distribution.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hrb_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_hrb_set_upperbound (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double upperbound)

Set upper bound for hazard rate. If this call is not used it is assumed that the the maximum of the hazard rate is achieved at the left hand boundary of the domain of the distribution.

: int unur_hrb_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_hrb_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the hazard rate is not bounded by the given bound, then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION.

Default is FALSE.


5.3.7 HRD – Hazard Rate Decreasing

Required:

decreasing (non-increasing) hazard rate

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.9.1.5; Alg.9.5]

Generates random variate with given non-increasing hazard rate. It is necessary that the distribution object contains this hazard rate. Decreasing hazard rate implies that the corresponding PDF of the distribution has heavier tails than the exponential distribution (which has constant hazard rate).

How To Use

HRD requires a hazard function for a continuous distribution with non-increasing hazard rate. There are no parameters for this method.

It is important to note that the domain of the distribution can be set via a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call. However, only the left hand boundary is used. For computational reasons the right hand boundary is always reset to UNUR_INFINITY. If no domain is given by the user then the left hand boundary is set to 0.

For distributions which do not have decreasing hazard rates but are bounded from above use method HRB (see Hazard Rate Bounded). For distributions with increasing hazard rate method HRI (see Hazard Rate Increasing) is required.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hrd_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_hrd_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_hrd_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the hazard rate is not bounded by the given bound, then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION.

Default is FALSE.


5.3.8 HRI – Hazard Rate Increasing

Required:

increasing (non-decreasing) hazard rate

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.9.1.6; Alg.9.6]

Generates random variate with given non-increasing hazard rate. It is necessary that the distribution object contains this hazard rate. Increasing hazard rate implies that the corresponding PDF of the distribution has heavier tails than the exponential distribution (which has constant hazard rate).

The method uses a decomposition of the hazard rate into a main part which is constant for all x beyond some point p0 and a remaining part. From both of these parts points are sampled using the thinning method and the minimum of both is returned. Sampling from the first part is easier as we have a constant dominating hazard rate. Thus p0 should be large. On the other hand, if p0 is large than the thinning algorithm needs many iteration. Thus the performance of the the algorithm deponds on the choice of p0. We found that values close to the expectation of the generated distribution result in good performance.

How To Use

HRI requires a hazard function for a continuous distribution with non-decreasing hazard rate. The parameter p0 should be set to a value close to the expectation of the required distribution using unur_hri_set_p0. If performance is crucial one may try other values as well.

It is important to note that the domain of the distribution can be set via a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call. However, only the left hand boundary is used. For computational reasons the right hand boundary is always reset to UNUR_INFINITY. If no domain is given by the user then the left hand boundary is set to 0.

For distributions with decreasing hazard rate method HRD (see Hazard Rate Decreasing) is required. For distributions which do not have increasing or decreasing hazard rates but are bounded from above use method HRB (see Hazard Rate Bounded).

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Notice, that the upper bound given by the unur_hrb_set_upperbound call cannot be changed and must be valid for the changed distribution. Notice that the parameter p0 which has been set by a unur_hri_set_p0 call cannot be changed and must be valid for the changed distribution.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hri_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_hri_set_p0 (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double p0)

Set design point for algorithm. It is used to split the domain of the distribution. Values for p0 close to the expectation of the distribution results in a relatively good performance of the algorithm. It is important that the hazard rate at this point must be greater than 0 and less than UNUR_INFINITY.

Default: left boundary of domain + 1.

: int unur_hri_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_hri_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the hazard rate is not bounded by the given bound, then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION.

Default is FALSE.


5.3.9 ITDR – Inverse Transformed Density Rejection

Required:

monotone PDF, dPDF, pole

Optional:

splitting point between pole and tail region, c-values

Speed:

Set-up: moderate, Sampling: moderate

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLDa07]

ITDR is an acceptance/rejection method that works for monotone densities. It is especially designed for PDFs with a single pole. It uses different hat functions for the pole region and for the tail region. For the tail region Transformed Density Rejection with a single construction point is used. For the pole region a variant called Inverse Transformed Density Rejection is used. The optimal splitting point between the two regions and the respective maximum local concavity and inverse local concavity (see Glossary) that guarantee valid hat functions for each regions are estimated. This splitting point is set to the intersection point of local concavity and inverse local concavity. However, it is assumed that both, the local concavity and the inverse local concavity do not have a local minimum in the interior of the domain (which is the case for all standard distributions with a single pole). In other cases (or when the built-in search routines do not compute non-optimal values) one can provide the splitting point, and the c-values.

How To Use

Method ITDR requires a distribution object with given PDF and its derivative and the location of the pole (or mode). The PDF must be monotone and may contain a pole. It must be set via the unur_distr_cont_set_pdf and unur_distr_cont_set_dpdf calls. The PDF should return UNUR_INFINITY for the pole. Alternatively, one can also set the logarithm of the PDF and its derivative via the unur_distr_cont_set_logpdf and unur_distr_cont_set_dlogpdf calls. This is in especially useful since then the setup and search routines are numerically more stable. Moreover, for many distributions computing the logarithm of the PDF is less expensive then computing the PDF directly.

The pole of the distribution is given by a unur_distr_cont_set_mode call. Notice that distributions with “heavy” poles may have numerical problems caused by the resultion of the floating point numbers used by computers. While the minimal distance between two different floating point numbers is about 1.e-320 near 0. it increases to 1.e-16 near 1. Thus any random variate generator implemented on a digital computer in fact draws samples from a discrete distribution that approximates the desired continuous distribution. For distributions with “heavy” poles not at 0 this approximation may be too crude and thus every goodness-of-fit test will fail. Besides this theoretic problem that cannot be resolved we have to take into consideration that round-off errors occur more frequently when we have PDFs with poles far away from 0. Method ITDR tries to handles this situation as good as possible by moving the pole into 0. Thus do not use a wrapper for your PDF that hides this shift since the information about the resolution of the floating point numbers near the pole gets lost.

Method ITDR uses different hats for the pole region and for the tail region. The splitting point between these two regions, the optimal c-value and design points for constructing the hats using Transformed Density Rejection are computed automatically. (The results of these computations can be read using the respective calls unur_itdr_get_xi unur_itdr_get_cp , and unur_itdr_get_ct for the intersection point between local concavity and inverse local concavity, the c-value for the pole and the tail region.) However, one can also analyze the local concavity and inverse local concavity set the corresponding values using unur_itdr_set_xi unur_itdr_set_cp , and unur_itdr_set_ct calls. Notice, that c-values greater than -1/2 can be set to -0.5. Although this results in smaller acceptance probabities sampling from the hat distribution is much faster than for other values of c. Depending on the expenses of evaluating the PDF the resulting algorithm is usually faster.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. However, the values given by unur_itdr_set_xi unur_itdr_set_cp , or unur_itdr_set_ct calls are then ignored when unur_reinit is called.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_itdr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_itdr_set_xi (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double xi)

Sets points where local concavity and inverse local concavity are (almost) equal. It is used to estimate the respective c-values for pole region and hat regions and to determine the splitting point bx between pole and tail region. If no such point is provided it will be computed automatically.

Default: not set.

: int unur_itdr_set_cp (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double cp)

Sets parameter cp for transformation T for inverse density in pole region. It must be at most 0 and greater than -1. A value of -0.5 is treated separately and usually results in faster marginal generation time (at the expense of smaller acceptance probabilities. If no cp-value is given it is estimated automatically.

Default: not set.

: int unur_itdr_set_ct (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double ct)

Sets parameter ct for transformation T for density in tail region. It must be at most 0. For densities with unbounded domain it must be greater than -1. A value of -0.5 is treated separately and usually results in faster marginal generation time (at the expense of smaller acceptance probabilities. If no ct-value is given it is estimated automatically.

Default: not set.

: double unur_itdr_get_xi (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: double unur_itdr_get_cp (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: double unur_itdr_get_ct (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get intersection point xi, and c-values cp and ct, respectively. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_itdr_get_area (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get area below hat. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: int unur_itdr_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.

If the condition PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However, notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_itdr_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Change the verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.


5.3.10 NINV – Numerical INVersion

Required:

CDF

Optional:

PDF

Speed:

Set-up: optional, Sampling: (very) slow

Reinit:

supported

NINV implementations of some methods for numerical inversion: Newton’s method, regula falsi (combined with interval bisectioning), and bisection method. Regula falsi and bisection method require only the CDF while Newton’s method also requires the PDF. To speed up marginal generation times a table with suitable starting points can be created during the setup. The performance of the algorithm can adjusted by the desired accuracy of the method. It is possible to use this method for generating from truncated distributions. The truncated domain can be changed for an existing generator object.

How To Use

Method NINV generates random variates by numerical inversion and requires a continuous univariate distribution objects with given CDF. Three variants are available:

  • Regula falsi [default]
  • Newton’s method
  • Interval bisectioning

Newton’s method additionally requires the PDF of the distribution and cannot be used otherwise (NINV automatically switches to regula falsi then). Default algorithm is regula falsi. It is slightly slower but numerically much more stable than Newton’s algorithm. Interval bisectioning is the slowest method and should only be considered as a last resort when the other methods fails.

It is possible to draw samples from truncated distributions. The truncated domain can even be changed for an existing generator object by an unur_ninv_chg_truncated call.

Marginal generation times can be sped up by means of a table with suitable starting points which can be created during the setup. Using such a table can be switched on by means of a unur_ninv_set_table call where the table size is given as a parameter. The table is still useful when the (truncated) domain is changed often, since it is computed for the domain of the given distribution. (It is not possible to enlarge this domain.) If it is necessary to recalculate the table during sampling, the command unur_ninv_chg_table can be used. As a rule of thumb using such a table is appropriate when the number of generated points exceeds the table size by a factor of 100.

The default number of iterations of NINV should be enough for all reasonable cases. Nevertheless, it is possible to adjust the maximal number of iterations with the commands unur_ninv_set_max_iter and unur_ninv_chg_max_iter. In particular this might be necessary when the PDF has a pole or the distribution has extremely heavy tails.

It is also possible to set/change the accuracy of the method (which also heavily influencies the generation time). We use two measures for the approximation error which can be used independently: x-error and u-error (see The Inversion Method for more details). It is possible to set the maximal tolerated error using with unur_ninv_set_x_resolution and with unur_ninv_set_u_resolution resp., and change it with the respective calls unur_ninv_chg_x_resolution and unur_ninv_chg_x_resolution. The algorithm tries to satisfy both accuracy goals (and raises an error flag it this fails). One of these accuracy checks can be disabled by setting the accuracy goal to a negative value.

NINV tries to use proper starting values for both the regula falsi and bisection method, and for Newton’s method. Of course the user might have more knowledge about the properties of the target distribution and is able to share his wisdom with NINV using the respective commands unur_ninv_set_start and unur_ninv_chg_start. It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. The values given by the last unur_ninv_chg_truncated call will be then changed to the values of the domain of the underlying distribution object. It is important to note that for a distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) the normalization constant has to be updated using the unur_distr_cont_upd_pdfarea call whenever its parameters have been changed by means of a unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams call.

It might happen that NINV aborts unur_sample_cont without computing the correct value (because the maximal number iterations has been exceeded). Then the last approximate value for x is returned (with might be fairly false) and unur_error is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_SAMPLING.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_ninv_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_ninv_set_useregula (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Switch to regula falsi combined with interval bisectioning. (This the default.)

: int unur_ninv_set_usenewton (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Switch to Newton’s method. Notice that it is numerically less stable than regula falsi. It it is not possible to invert the CDF for a particular uniform random number U when calling unur_sample_cont unur_error is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_SAMPLING. Thus it is recommended to check unur_error before using the result of the sampling routine.

: int unur_ninv_set_usebisect (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Switch to bisection method. This is a slow algorithm and should only be used as a last resort.

: int unur_ninv_set_max_iter (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_iter)
: int unur_ninv_chg_max_iter (UNUR_GEN* generator, int max_iter)

Set and change number of maximal iterations. Default is 100.

: int unur_ninv_set_x_resolution (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double x_resolution)
: int unur_ninv_chg_x_resolution (UNUR_GEN* generator, double x_resolution)

Set and change the maximal tolerated relative x-error. If x_resolution is negative then checking of the x-error is disabled.

Default is 1.e-8.

: int unur_ninv_set_u_resolution (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double u_resolution)
: int unur_ninv_chg_u_resolution (UNUR_GEN* generator, double u_resolution)

Set and change the maximal tolerated (abolute) u-error. If u_resolution is negative then checking of the u-error is disabled.

Default is -1 (disabled).

: int unur_ninv_set_start (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double left, double right)

Set starting points. If not set, suitable values are chosen automatically.

Newton:left:starting point
Regula falsi:left, right:boundary of starting interval

If the starting points are not set then the follwing points are used by default:

Newton:left:CDF(left) = 0.5
Regula falsi:left:CDF(left) = 0.1
right:CDF(right) = 0.9

If left == right, then UNU.RAN always uses the default starting points!

: int unur_ninv_chg_start (UNUR_GEN* gen, double left, double right)

Change the starting points for numerical inversion. If left==right, then UNU.RAN uses the default starting points (see unur_ninv_set_start ).

: int unur_ninv_set_table (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int no_of_points)

Generates a table with no_of_points points containing suitable starting values for the iteration. The value of no_of_points must be at least 10 (otherwise it will be set to 10 automatically).

The table points are chosen such that the CDF at these points form an equidistance sequence in the interval (0,1).

If a table is used, then the starting points given by unur_ninv_set_start are ignored.

No table is used by default.

: int unur_ninv_chg_table (UNUR_GEN* gen, int no_of_points)

Recomputes a table as described in unur_ninv_set_table.

: int unur_ninv_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* gen, double left, double right)

Changes the borders of the domain of the (truncated) distribution.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call. Moreover the starting point(s) will not be changed.

Important: If the CDF is (almost) the same for left and right and (almost) equal to 0 or 1, then the truncated domain is not chanced and the call returns an error code.

Notice: If the parameters of the distribution has been changed by a unur_distr_cont_set_pdfparams call it is recommended to set the truncated domain again, since the former call might change the domain of the distribution but not update the values for the boundaries of the truncated distribution.

: double unur_ninv_eval_approxinvcdf (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double u)

Get approximate approximate value of inverse CDF at u. If u is out of the domain [0,1] then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DOMAIN and the respective bound of the domain of the distribution are returned (which is -UNUR_INFINITY or UNUR_INFINITY in the case of unbounded domains).

Notice: This function always evaluates the inverse CDF of the given distribution. A call to unur_ninv_chg_truncated call has no effect.


5.3.11 NROU – Naive Ratio-Of-Uniforms method

Required:

PDF

Optional:

mode, center, bounding rectangle for acceptance region

Speed:

Set-up: slow or fast, Sampling: moderate

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.2.4 and Sect.6.4]

NROU is an implementation of the (generalized) ratio-of-uniforms method which uses (minimal) bounding rectangles, see The Ratio-of-Uniforms Method. It uses a positive control parameter r for adjusting the algorithm to the given distribution to improve performance and/or to make this method applicable. Larger values of r increase the class of distributions for which the method works at the expense of a higher rejection constant. For computational reasons r=1 should be used if possible (this is the default). Moreover, this implementation uses the center mu of the distribution (see unur_distr_cont_get_center for details of its default values).

For the special case with r=1 the coordinates of the minimal bounding rectangles are given by

v+ = sup_x sqrt(PDF(x)),
u- = inf_x (x- mu) sqrt(PDF(x)),
u+ = sup_x (x- mu) sqrt(PDF(x)),

where mu is the center of the distribution. For other values of r we have

v+ = sup_x (PDF(x))1/(r+1),
u- = inf_x (x- mu) (PDF(x))r/(r+1),
u+ = sup_x (x- mu) (PDF(x))r/(r+1).

These bounds can be given directly. Otherwise they are computed automatically by means of a (slow) numerical routine. Of course this routine can fail, especially when this rectangle is not bounded.

It is important to note that the algorithm works with PDF(x- mu) instead of PDF(x). This is important as otherwise the acceptance region can become a very long and skinny ellipsoid along a diagonal of the (huge) bounding rectangle.

How To Use

For using the NROU method UNU.RAN needs the PDF of the distribution. Additionally, the parameter r can be set via a unur_vnrou_set_r call. Notice that the acceptance probability decreases when r is increased. On the other hand is is more unlikely that the bounding rectangle does not exist if r is small.

A bounding rectangle can be given by the unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls.

Important: The bounding rectangle has to be provided for the function PDF(x-center)! Notice that center is the center of the given distribution, see unur_distr_cont_set_center. If in doubt or if this value is not optimal, it can be changed (overridden) by a unur_nrou_set_center call.

If the coordinates of the bounding rectangle are not provided by the user then the minimal bounding rectangle is computed automatically.

By means of unur_vnrou_set_verify and unur_vnrou_chg_verify one can run the sampling algorithm in a checking mode, i.e., in every cycle of the rejection loop it is checked whether the used rectangle indeed enclosed the acceptance region of the distribution. When in doubt (e.g., when it is not clear whether the numerical routine has worked correctly) this can be used to run a small Monte Carlo study.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that derived parameters like the mode must also be (re-) set if the parameters or the domain has be changed. Notice, however, that then the values that has been set by unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls are removed and the coordinates of the bounding box are computed numerically.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_nrou_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_nrou_set_u (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double umin, double umax)

Sets left and right boundary of bounding rectangle. If no values are given, the boundary of the minimal bounding rectangle is computed numerically.

Notice: Computing the minimal bounding rectangle may fail under some circumstances. Moreover, for multimodal distributions the bounds might be too small as only local extrema are computed. Nevertheless, for T_c -concave distributions with c=-1/2 it should work.

Important: The bounding rectangle that has to be provided is for the function PDF(x-center)!

Default: not set.

: int unur_nrou_set_v (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double vmax)

Set upper boundary for bounding rectangle. If this value is not given then sqrt(PDF(mode)) is used instead.

Notice: When the mode is not given for the distribution object, then it will be computed numerically.

Default: not set.

: int unur_nrou_set_r (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double r)

Sets the parameter r of the generalized ratio-of-uniforms method.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy r>0.

Default: 1.

: int unur_nrou_set_center (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double center)

Set the center mu of the PDF. If not set the center of the given distribution object is used.

Default: see unur_distr_cont_set_center.

: int unur_nrou_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.

If the condition PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However, notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_nrou_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Change the verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.


5.3.12 PINV – Polynomial interpolation based INVersion of CDF

Required:

PDF

Optional:

domain, center, CDF, derivative of PDF

Speed:

Set-up: (very) slow, Sampling: (very) fast

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[DHLa08]

PINV is a variant of numerical inversion, where the inverse CDF is approximated using Newton’s interpolating formula. The interval [0,1] is split into several subintervals. In each of these the inverse CDF is constructed at nodes (CDF(x),x) for some points x in this subinterval. If the PDF is given, then the CDF is computed numerically from the given PDF using adaptive Gauss-Lobatto integration with 5 points. Subintervals are split until the requested accuracy goal is reached.

The method is not exact, as it only produces random variates of the approximated distribution. Nevertheless, the maximal tolerated approximation error can be set to be the resolution (but of course is bounded by the machine precision). We use the u-error |U-CDF(X)| to measure the error for X = "approximate inverse CDF"(U). Notice that very small values of the u-resolution are possible but increase the cost for the setup step. We call the maximal tolerated u-error the u-resolution of the algorithm in the sequel.

Both the order of the interpolating polynomial and the u-resolution can be selected.

The interpolating polynomials have to be computed in a setup step. However, it only works for distributions with bounded domain; for distributions with unbounded domain the tails are cut off such that the probability for the tail regions is small compared to the given u-resolution.

The construction of the interpolation polynomial only works when the PDF is unimodal or when the PDF does not vanish between two modes.

There are some restrictions for the given distribution:

  • The support of the distribution (i.e., the region where the PDF is strictly positive) must be connected. In practice this means, that the region where PDF is "not too small" must be connected. Unimodal densities satisfy this condition. If this condition is violated then the domain of the distribution might be truncated.
  • When the PDF is integrated numerically, then the given PDF must be continuous and should be smooth.
  • The PDF must be bounded.
  • The algorithm has problems when the distribution has heavy tails (as then the inverse CDF becomes very steep at 0 or 1) and the requested u-resolution is very small. E.g., the Cauchy distribution is likely to show this problem when the requested u-resolution is less then 1.e-12.

Regions with very small PDF values or heavy tails might lead to an abortion of the set-up or (even worse) the approximation error might become larger than requested, since the (computation of the) interpolating polynomial becomes numerically unstable.

Remark: We also have implemented experimental variants. However, we observed that these variants are more sensitive to round-off errors, especially in the right hand tail and we do not recommend their usage unless there are severe reasons.

  • Use a function that implements the CDF instead of numerical integration of the PDF.
  • Use Hermite interpolation instead of Newton interpolation. Thus the first (and second) derivative of the interpolating polynomial coincides with that of the inverse CDF. Consequently the interpolant is also (twice) differentiable even at the interval boundaries. This variant can be seen as limiting case of Newton interpolation with double (or triple) points as nodes.

    We have used a smoothness parameter to control this feature. However, besides numerical problems we observed that this variant requires more intervals and thus larger setup times and higher memory consumptions.

How To Use

PINV works for continuous univariate distribution objects with given PDF. The corresponding distribution object should contain a typical point of the distribution, i.e., a point where the PDF is not too small, e.g., (a point near) the mode. However, it is important that the center is not the pole of the distribution (or a point too close to the pole). It can be set using a unur_distr_cont_set_center or a unur_distr_cont_set_mode call. If neither is set, or if the given center cannot be used, then a simple search routine tries to find an appropriate point for the center.

It is recommended that the domain of the distribution with bounded domain is specified using a unur_distr_cont_set_domain call. Otherwise, the boundary is searched numerically which might be rather expensive, especially when this boundary point is 0.

The inverse CDF is interpolated using Newton polynomials. The order of this polynomial can be set by means of a unur_pinv_set_order call.

The smoothness of the interpolant at interval boundaries can be controlled using a unur_pinv_set_smoothness call. Then Hermite interpolation instead of Newton interpolation is used. (The former can be seen as a limiting case of Newton interpolation with double (or triple) points.) However, using higher smoothness is not recommended unless differentiability at the interval boundaries is important.

For distributions with unbounded domains the tails are cut off such that the probability for the tail regions is small compared to the given u-resolution. For finding these cut points the algorithm starts with the region [-1.e100,1.e100]. For the exceptional case where this does not work these starting points can be changed via a unur_pinv_set_boundary call.

This method is not exact, as it only produces random variates of the approximated distribution. Nevertheless, the numerical error in "u-direction" (i.e., |U-CDF(X)|, for X = "approximate inverse CDF"(U) |U-CDF(X)|) can be controlled by means of unur_pinv_set_u_resolution. However, the maximal error of this approximation is only estimated. For very small u-resolutions the actual approximation error might be (slightly) larger than the requested u-resolution. (Of course the size of this value depends on the given PDF.) If this error is crucial for an application we recommend to compute this error using unur_pinv_estimate_error which runs a small Monte Carlo simulation. It is also possible to improve the error estimate during setup by means of unur_pinv_set_extra_testpoints. See also the documentation for function unur_pinv_set_u_resolution and the remark given there.

The number of required subintervals heavily depends on the order of the interpolating polynomial and the requested u-resolution: it increases when order or u-resolution are decreased. It can be checked using a unur_pinv_get_n_intervals call. The maximum number of such subintervals is fixed but can be increased using a unur_pinv_set_max_intervals call. If this maximum number is too small then the set-up aborts with a corresponding error message.

It is also possible to use the CDF of the distribution instead of the PDF. Then the distribution object must contain a pointer to the CDF. Moreover, this variant of the algorithm has to be switched on using an unur_pinv_set_usecdf call. Notice, however, that the setup for this variant is numerically less stable than using integration of the PDF (the default variant). Thus using the CDF is not recommended.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_pinv_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_pinv_set_order (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int order)

Set order of interpolation. Valid orders are between 3 and 17. Higher orders result in fewer intervals for the approximations.

Default: 5.

: int unur_pinv_set_smoothness (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int smoothness)

Set smoothness of interpolant. By construction the interpolant is piecewise polynomial and thus smooth on each of the intervals where these polynomials are constructed. At the interval boundaries, however, it usually not be differentiable. Method PINV also implements variants of Newton interpolation where the first (or second) derivative of the interpolating polynomial coincides with the respective derivative of the inverse CDF at the nodes. The the interpolant is (twice) differentiable even at the interval boundaries. These variants can be seen as limiting case of Newton interpolation with double (or triple) points as nodes and are known as Hermite interpolation.

Possible values for smoothness:

ValueEffectRequirements
0continuousrequires PDF (or CDF)
1differentiablerequires PDF (optional: CDF),
order of polynomial must be odd
2twice differentiablerequires PDF and its derivative (optional: CDF),
order must be 5, 8, 11, 14 or 17

If the order of the polynomial does not satisfy the given condition, then it is increased to the next larger possible value.

Remark: A higher smoothness parameter usually results in a higher number of intervals and thus a higher setup time and memory consumption. We also observed that higher smoothness parameters make the algorithm more sensible for round-off error. Then the setup fails.

Remark: If the interpolating polynomial cannot be constructed for the requested smoothness on a particular interval, then the smoothness parameter is reduced for that interval.

Remark: For order 3 and smoothness 1 (cubic Hermite interpolation) monotonicity is guaranteed by checking a simple monotonicity condition for the coefficients of the polynomials.

Remark: Using smoothness larger than 0 is not recommended unless differentiability at the interval boundaries is important for ones application.

Default: 0.

: int unur_pinv_set_u_resolution (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double u_resolution)

Set maximal tolerated u-error. Values of u_resolution must at least 1.e-15 and 1.e-5 at most. Notice that the resolution of most uniform random number sources is 2-32 = 2.3e-10. Thus a value of 1.e-10 leads to an inversion algorithm that could be called exact. For most simulations slightly bigger values for the maximal error are enough as well.

Smaller values for u_resolution increase the number of subinterval that are necessary for the approximation of the inverse CDF. For very small values (less then 1.e-12) this number might exceed the maximum number of such intervals. However, this number can be increased using a unur_pinv_set_max_intervals call.

Remark: We ran many experiments and found that the observed u-error was always smaller than the given u_resolution whenever this value was 1.e-12. For values smaller than 1e-13 the maximal observed u-error was slightly larger. One use 1.e-15 if best approximation is required. However, then the actual u-error can be as large as 1.e-14.

Consider calling unur_pinv_set_extra_testpoints in order to reduce the risk of larger approximation errors.

Warning! These figures are based on our experiments (with some tolerance added to be on the safe side). There is no guarantee for these error estimates for a particular distribution.

Default is 1.e-10.

: int unur_pinv_set_extra_testpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_points)

During setup method PINV checks the current u-error by means of carefully selected test points and improves the approximation where necessary. However, it nevertheless may happen, that the maximal approximation error is larger than estimated in some interval (which usually is hit with a very small probability). This estimate can be improved by using extra test points which can be added by means of this call. However, this increases the setup time considerably. Note that these additional points are selected equidistributed in each subinterval.

Default is 0 (i.e., no additional test points are used).

: int unur_pinv_set_use_upoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int use_upoints)

If use_upoints is TRUE, then the nodes of the interpolating polynomial are constructed by means of Chebyshev points in u-scale not in x-scale. This results is a better approximation but almost doubles the number of PDF or CDF evaluations during the setup. (This is an experimental feature.)

Default: FALSE

: int unur_pinv_set_usepdf (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use PDF (if available) to compute approximate inverse CDF.

This is the default.

: int unur_pinv_set_usecdf (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use CDF (if available) to compute approximate inverse CDF. This variant is intend for running experiments with method PINV.

Remark: We ran many experiments and found that for small values of the given u_resolution (less than 1.e-12) the setup fails for distributions with heavy tails. We found that using the PDF (instead of the CDF) is numerically more stable. This is especially the case when the smoothness parameter is set to 1 or 2.

Using the CDF is not recommended.

: int unur_pinv_set_boundary (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double left, double right)

Set left and right point for finding the cut-off points for the "computational domain", i.e., the domain that covers the essential part of the distribution. The cut-off points are computed such that the tail probabilities are smaller than given by unur_pinv_set_u_resolution. It is usually safe to use a large interval. However, +/- UNUR_INFINITY is not allowed.

Important: This call does not change the domain of the given distribution itself. But it restricts the domain for the resulting random variates.

Default: intersection of [-1.e100,+1.e100] and the given domain of the distribution.

: int unur_pinv_set_searchboundary (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int left, int right)

If left or right is set to FALSE then the respective boundary as given by a unur_pinv_set_boundary call is used without any further computations. However, these boundary points might cause numerical problems during the setup when PDF returns 0 “almost everywhere”. If set to TRUE (the default) then the computational interval is shortened to a more sensible region by means of a search algorithm. Switching off this search is useful, e.g., for the Gamma(2) distribution where the left border 0 is fixed and finite.

Remark: The searching algorithm assumes that the support of the distribution is connected.

Remark: Do not set this parameter to FALSE except when searching for cut-off points fails and one wants to try with precomputed values.

Default: TRUE.

: int unur_pinv_set_max_intervals (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_ivs)

Set maximum number of intervals. max_ivs must be at least 100 and at most 1000000.

Default is 10000.

: int unur_pinv_get_n_intervals (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get number of intervals used for interpolation in the generator object. It returns 0 in case of an error.

: int unur_pinv_set_keepcdf (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int keepcdf)

If the PDF is given, then the CDF is computed numerically from the given PDF using adaptive Gauss-Lobatto integration. Thus a table of CDF points is stored to keep the number of evaluations of the PDF minimal. Usually this table is discarded when the setup is completed. If keepcdf is TRUE, then this table is kept and can be used to compute the CDF of the underlying distribution by means of function unur_pinv_eval_approxcdf. This option is ignored when unur_pinv_set_usecdf is called.

Default: FALSE

: double unur_pinv_eval_approxinvcdf (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double u)

Evaluate interpolation of inverse CDF at u. If u is out of the domain (0,1) then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DOMAIN and the respective bound of the domain of the distribution are returned (which is -UNUR_INFINITY or UNUR_INFINITY in the case of unbounded domains).

: double unur_pinv_eval_approxcdf (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double x)

Evaluate (approximate) CDF at x. If the PDF of the distribution is given, then adaptive Gauss-Lobatto integration is used to compute the CDF. If the PDF is used to create the generator object, then the table of integral values must not removed at the end of setup and thus unur_pinv_set_keepcdf must be called.

: int unur_pinv_estimate_error (const UNUR_GEN* generator, int samplesize, double* max_error, double* MAE)

Estimate maximal u-error and mean absolute error (MAE) for generator by means of Monte-Carlo simulation with sample size samplesize. The results are stored in max_error and MAE, respectively.

It returns UNUR_SUCCESS if successful.


5.3.13 SROU – Simple Ratio-Of-Uniforms method

Required:

T-concave PDF, mode, area

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[LJa01] [LJa02] [HLD04: Sect.6.3.1; Sect.6.3.2; Sect.6.4.1; Alg.6.4; Alg.6.5; Alg.6.7]

SROU is based on the ratio-of-uniforms method (see The Ratio-of-Uniforms Method) that uses universal inequalities for constructing a (universal) bounding rectangle. It works for all T-concave distributions, including log-concave and T-concave distributions with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x).

Moreover an (optional) parameter r can be given, to adjust the generator to the given distribution. This parameter is strongly related to the parameter c for transformed density rejection (see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection) via the formula c = -r/(r+1). The rejection constant increases with higher values for r. On the other hand, the given density must be T_c -concave for the corresponding c. The default setting for r is 1 which results in a very simple code. (For other settings, sampling uniformly from the acceptance region is more complicated.)

Optionally the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance of the algorithm. Then the rejection constant is reduced by 1/2 and (if r=1) even a universal squeeze can (but need not be) used. A way to increase the performance of the algorithm when the CDF at the mode is not provided is the usage of the mirror principle (only if r=1). However, using squeezes and using the mirror principle is only recommended when the PDF is expensive to compute.

The exact location of the mode and/or the area below the PDF can be replace by appropriate bounds. Then the algorithm still works but has larger rejection constants.

How To Use

SROU works for any continuous univariate distribution object with given T_c -concave PDF with c<1, ) mode and area below PDF. Optional the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance of the algorithm by means of the unur_srou_set_cdfatmode call. Additionally squeezes can be used and switched on via unur_srou_set_usesqueeze (only if r=1). A way to increase the performance of the algorithm when the CDF at the mode is not provided is the usage of the mirror principle which can be swithced on by means of a unur_srou_set_usemirror call (only if r=1) . However using squeezes and using the mirror principle is only recommended when the PDF is expensive to compute.

The parameter r can be given, to adjust the generator to the given distribution. This parameter is strongly related parameter c for transformed density rejection via the formula c = -r/(r+1). The parameter r can be any value larger than or equal to 1. Values less then 1 are automatically set to 1. The rejection constant depends on the chosen parameter r but not on the particular distribution. It is 4 for r equal to 1 and higher for higher values of r. It is important to note that different algorithms for different values of r: If r equal to 1 this is much faster than the algorithm for r greater than 1. The default setting for r is 1.

If the (exact) area below the PDF is not known, then an upper bound can be used instead (which of course increases the rejection constant). But then the squeeze flag must not be set and unur_srou_set_cdfatmode must not be used.

If the exact location of the mode is not known, then use the approximate location and provide the (exact) value of the PDF at the mode by means of the unur_srou_set_pdfatmode call. But then unur_srou_set_cdfatmode must not be used. Notice, that a (slow) numerical mode finder will be used if no mode is given at all. It is even possible to give an upper bound for the PDF only. However, then the (upper bound for the) area below the PDF has to be multiplied by the ratio between the upper bound and the lower bound of the PDF at the mode. Again setting the squeeze flag and using unur_srou_set_cdfatmode is not allowed.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that derived parameters like the mode must also be (re-) set if the parameters or the domain has be changed. Moreover, if the PDF at the mode has been provided by a unur_srou_set_pdfatmode call, additionally unur_srou_chg_pdfatmode must be used (otherwise this call is not necessary since then this figure is computed directly from the PDF).

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not while sampling. It can be switched on by calling unur_srou_set_verify and unur_srou_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (a little bit) slower then.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_srou_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_srou_set_r (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double r)

Set parameter r for transformation. Only values greater than or equal to 1 are allowed. The performance of the generator decreases when r is increased. On the other hand r must not be set to small, since the given density must be T_c-concave for c = -r/(r+1).

Notice: If r is set to 1 a simpler and much faster algorithm is used then for r greater than one.

For computational reasons values of r that are greater than 1 but less than 1.01 are always set to 1.01.

Default is 1.

: int unur_srou_set_cdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double Fmode)

Set CDF at mode. When set, the performance of the algorithm is increased by factor 2. However, when the parameters of the distribution are changed unur_srou_chg_cdfatmode has to be used to update this value.

Default: not set.

: int unur_srou_set_pdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double fmode)

Set pdf at mode. When set, the PDF at the mode is never changed. This is to avoid additional computations, when the PDF does not change when parameters of the distributions vary. It is only useful when the PDF at the mode does not change with changing parameters of the distribution.

IMPORTANT: This call has to be executed after a possible call of unur_srou_set_r. Default: not set.

: int unur_srou_set_usesqueeze (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usesqueeze)

Set flag for using universal squeeze (default: off). Using squeezes is only useful when the evaluation of the PDF is (extremely) expensive. Using squeezes is automatically disabled when the CDF at the mode is not given (then no universal squeezes exist).

Squeezes can only be used if r=1.

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_srou_set_usemirror (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usemirror)

Set flag for using mirror principle (default: off). Using the mirror principle is only useful when the CDF at the mode is not known and the evaluation of the PDF is rather cheap compared to the marginal generation time of the underlying uniform random number generator. It is automatically disabled when the CDF at the mode is given. (Then there is no necessity to use the mirror principle. However disabling is only done during the initialization step but not at a re-initialization step.)

The mirror principle can only be used if r=1.

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_srou_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_srou_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_srou_chg_cdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double Fmode)

Change CDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.

: int unur_srou_chg_pdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double fmode)

Change PDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.


5.3.14 SSR – Simple Setup Rejection

Required:

T-concave PDF, mode, area

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[LJa01] [HLD04: Sect.6.3.3; Alg.6.6]

SSR is an acceptance/rejection method that uses universal inequalities for constructing (universal) hats and squeezes (see The Rejection Method). It works for all T-concave distributions with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x).

It requires the PDF, the (exact) location of the mode and the area below the given PDF. The rejection constant is 4 for all T-concave distributions with unbounded domain and is less than 4 when the domain is bounded. Optionally the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance of the algorithm. Then the rejection constant is at most 2 and a universal squeeze can (but need not be) used. However, using squeezes is not recommended unless the evaluation of the PDF is expensive.

The exact location of the mode and/or the area below the PDF can be replace by appropriate bounds. Then the algorithm still works but has larger rejection constants.

How To Use

SSR works for any continuous univariate distribution object with given T-concave PDF (with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x),) mode and area below PDF. Optional the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance of the algorithm by means of the unur_ssr_set_cdfatmode call. Additionally squeezes can be used and switched on via unur_ssr_set_usesqueeze. If the (exact) area below the PDF is not known, then an upper bound can be used instead (which of course increases the rejection constant). But then the squeeze flag must not be set and unur_ssr_set_cdfatmode must not be used.

If the exact location of the mode is not known, then use the approximate location and provide the (exact) value of the PDF at the mode by means of the unur_ssr_set_pdfatmode call. But then unur_ssr_set_cdfatmode must not be used. Notice, that a (slow) numerical mode finder will be used if no mode is given at all. It is even possible to give an upper bound for the PDF only. However, then the (upper bound for the) area below the PDF has to be multiplied by the ratio between the upper bound and the lower bound of the PDF at the mode. Again setting the squeeze flag and using unur_ssr_set_cdfatmode is not allowed.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that derived parameters like the mode must also be (re-) set if the parameters or the domain has be changed. Moreover, if the PDF at the mode has been provided by a unur_ssr_set_pdfatmode call, additionally unur_ssr_chg_pdfatmode must be used (otherwise this call is not necessary since then this figure is computed directly from the PDF).

Important: If any of mode, PDF or CDF at the mode, or the area below the mode has been changed, then unur_reinit must be executed. (Otherwise the generator produces garbage).

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not while sampling. It can be switched on/off by calling unur_ssr_set_verify and unur_ssr_chg_verify respectively. Notice, however, that sampling is (a little bit) slower then.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_ssr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_ssr_set_cdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double Fmode)

Set CDF at mode. When set, the performance of the algorithm is increased by factor 2. However, when the parameters of the distribution are changed unur_ssr_chg_cdfatmode has to be used to update this value.

Default: not set.

: int unur_ssr_set_pdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double fmode)

Set pdf at mode. When set, the PDF at the mode is never changed. This is to avoid additional computations, when the PDF does not change when parameters of the distributions vary. It is only useful when the PDF at the mode does not change with changing parameters for the distribution.

Default: not set.

: int unur_ssr_set_usesqueeze (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usesqueeze)

Set flag for using universal squeeze (default: off). Using squeezes is only useful when the evaluation of the PDF is (extremely) expensive. Using squeezes is automatically disabled when the CDF at the mode is not given (then no universal squeezes exist).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_ssr_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_ssr_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_ssr_chg_cdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double Fmode)

Change CDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.

: int unur_ssr_chg_pdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double fmode)

Change PDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.


5.3.15 TABL – a TABLe method with piecewise constant hats

Required:

PDF, all local extrema, cut-off values for the tails

Optional:

approximate area

Speed:

Set-up: (very) slow, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[AJa93] [AJa95] [HLD04: Cha.5.1]

TABL (called Ahrens method in [HLD04] ) is an acceptance/rejection method (see The Rejection Method) that uses a decomposition of the domain of the distribution into many short subintervals. Inside of these subintervals constant hat and squeeze functions are utilized. Thus it is easy to use the idea of immediate acceptance for points below the squeeze. This reduces the expected number of uniform random numbers per generated random variate to less than two. Using a large number of subintervals only little more than one random number is necessary on average. Thus this method becomes very fast.

Due to the constant hat function this method only works for distributions with bounded domains. Thus for unbounded domains the left and right tails have to be cut off. This is no problem when the probability of falling into these tail regions is beyond computational relevance (e.g. smaller than 1.e-12).

For easy construction of hat and squeeze functions it is necessary to know the regions of monotonicity (called slopes) or equivalently all local maxima and minima of the density. The main problem for this method in the setup is the choice of the subintervals. A simple and close to optimal approach is the "equal area rule" [HLD04: Cha.5.1] . There the subintervals are selected such that the area below the hat is the same for each subinterval which can be realized with a simple recursion. If more subintervals are necessary it is possible to split either randomly chosen intervals (adaptive rejection sampling, ARS) or those intervals, where the ratio between squeeze and hat is smallest. This version of the setup is called derandomized ARS (DARS). With the default settings TABL is first calculating approximately 30 subintervals with the equal area rule. Then DARS is used till the desired fit of the hat is reached.

A convenient measure to control the quality of the fit of hat and squeeze is the ratio (area below squeeze)/(area below hat) called sqhratio which must be smaller or equal to one. The expected number of iterations in the rejection algorithm is known to be smaller than 1/sqhratio and the expected number of evaluations of the density is bounded by 1/sqhratio - 1. So values of the sqhratio close to one (e.g. 0.95 or 0.99) lead to many subintervals. Thus a better fitting hat is constructed and the sampling algorithm becomes fast; on the other hand large tables are needed and the setup is very slow. For moderate values of sqhratio (e.g. 0.9 or 0.8) the sampling is slower but the required tables are smaller and the setup is not so slow.

It follows from the above explanations that TABL is always requiring a slow setup and that it is not very well suited for heavy-tailed distributions.

How To Use

For using the TABL method UNU.RAN needs a bounded interval to which the generated variates can be restricted and information about all local extrema of the distribution. For unimodal densities it is sufficient to provide the mode of the distribution. For the case of a built-in unimodal distribution with bounded domain all these information is present in the distribution object and thus no extra input is necessary (see example_TABL1 below).

For a built-in unimodal distribution with unbounded domain we should specify the cut-off values for the tails. This can be done with the unur_tabl_set_boundary call (see example_TABL2 below). For the case that we do not set these boundaries the default values of +/- 1.e20 are used. We can see in example_TABL1 that this still works fine for many standard distributions.

For the case of a multimodal distribution we have to set the regions of monotonicity (called slopes) explicitly using the unur_tabl_set_slopes command (see example_TABL3 below).

To controll the fit of the hat and the size of the tables and thus the speed of the setup and the sampling it is most convenient to use the unur_tabl_set_max_sqhratio call. The default is 0.9 which is a sensible value for most distributions and applications. If very large samples of a distribution are required or the evaluation of a density is very slow it may be useful to increase the sqhratio to eg. 0.95 or even 0.99. With the unur_tabl_get_sqhratio call we can check which sqhratio was really reached. If that value is below the desired value it is necessary to increase the maximal number of subintervals, which defaults to 1000, using the unur_tabl_set_max_intervals call. The unur_tabl_get_n_intervals call can be used to find out the number of subintervals the setup calculated.

It is also possible to set the number of intervals and their respective boundaries by means of the unur_tabl_set_cpoints call.

It is also possible to use method TABL for correlation induction (variance reduction) by setting of an auxiliary uniform random number generator via the unur_set_urng_aux call. (Notice that this must be done after a possible unur_set_urng call.) However, this only works when immediate acceptance is switched off by a unur_tabl_set_variant_ia call.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_tabl_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_tabl_set_variant_ia (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int use_ia)

Use immediate acceptance when use_ia is set to TRUE. This technique requires less uniform. If it is set to FALSE, “classical” acceptance/rejection from hat distribution is used.

Notice: Auxiliary uniform random number generators for correlation induction (variance reduction) can only be used when “classical” acceptance/rejection is used.

Default: TRUE.

: int unur_tabl_set_cpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_cpoints, const double* cpoints)

Set construction points for the hat function. If stp is NULL than a heuristic rule of thumb is used to get n_stp construction points. This is the default behavior.

The default number of construction points is 30.

: int unur_tabl_set_nstp (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_stp)

Set number of construction points for the hat function. n_stp must be greater than zero. After the setup there are about n_stp construction points. However it might be larger when a small fraction is given by the unur_tabl_set_areafraction call. It also might be smaller for some variants.

Default is 30.

: int unur_tabl_set_useear (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int useear)

If useear is set to TRUE, the “equal area rule” is used, the given slopes are partitioned in such a way that the area below the hat function in each subinterval (“stripe”) has the same area (except the last the last interval which can be smaller). The area can be set by means of the unur_tabl_set_areafraction call.

Default is TRUE.

: int unur_tabl_set_areafraction (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double fraction)

Set parameter for the equal area rule. During the setup a piecewise constant hat is constructed, such that the area below each of these pieces (strips) is the same and equal to the (given) area below the PDF times fraction (which must be greater than zero).

Important: If the area below the PDF is not set in the distribution object, then 1 is assumed.

Default is 0.1.

: int unur_tabl_set_usedars (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usedars)

If usedars is set to TRUE, “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling” (DARS) is used in the setup. Intervals, where the area between hat and squeeze is too large compared to the average area between hat and squeeze over all intervals, are split. This procedure is repeated until the ratio between squeeze and hat exceeds the bound given by unur_tabl_set_max_sqhratio call or the maximum number of intervals is reached. Moreover, it also aborts when no more intervals can be found for splitting.

For finding splitting points the arc-mean rule (a mixture of arithmetic mean and harmonic mean) is used.

Default is TRUE.

: int unur_tabl_set_darsfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling”. This factor is used to determine the segments that are “too large”, that is, all segments where the area between squeeze and hat is larger than factor times the average area over all intervals between squeeze and hat. Notice that all segments are split when factor is set to 0., and that there is no splitting at all when factor is set to UNUR_INFINITY.

Default is 0.99. There is no need to change this parameter.

: int unur_tabl_set_variant_splitmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, unsigned splitmode)

There are three variants for adaptive rejection sampling. These differ in the way how an interval is split:

splitmode 1

use the generated point to split the interval.

splitmode 2

use the mean point of the interval.

splitmode 3

use the arcmean point; suggested for distributions with heavy tails.

Default is splitmode 2.

: int unur_tabl_set_max_sqhratio (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double max_ratio)

Set upper bound for the ratio (area below squeeze) / (area below hat). It must be a number between 0 and 1. When the ratio exceeds the given number no further construction points are inserted via DARS in the setup.

For the case of ARS (unur_tabl_set_usedars() must be set to FALSE): Use 0 if no construction points should be added after the setup. Use 1 if added new construction points should not be stopped until the maximum number of construction points is reached. If max_ratio is close to one, many construction points are used.

Default is 0.9.

: double unur_tabl_get_sqhratio (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the current ratio (area below squeeze) / (area below hat) for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_tabl_get_hatarea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the hat for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_tabl_get_squeezearea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the squeeze for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: int unur_tabl_set_max_intervals (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_ivs)

Set maximum number of intervals. No construction points are added in or after the setup when the number of intervals suceeds max_ivs.

Default is 1000.

: int unur_tabl_get_n_intervals (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the current number of intervals. (In case of an error 0 is returned.)

: int unur_tabl_set_slopes (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const double* slopes, int n_slopes)

Set slopes for the PDF. A slope <a,b> is an interval [a,b] or [b,a] where the PDF is monotone and PDF(a) >= PDF(b). The list of slopes is given by an array slopes where each consecutive tuple (i.e. (slopes[0], slopes[1]), (slopes[2], slopes[3]), etc.) defines one slope. Slopes must be sorted (i.e. both slopes[0] and slopes[1] must not be greater than any entry of the slope (slopes[2], slopes[3]), etc.) and must not be overlapping. Otherwise no slopes are set and unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_PAR_SET.

Notice: n_slopes is the number of slopes (and not the length of the array slopes).

Notice that setting slopes resets the given domain for the distribution. However, in case of a standard distribution the area below the PDF is not updated.

: int unur_tabl_set_guidefactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for relative size of the guide table for indexed search (see also method DGT DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)). It must be greater than or equal to 0. When set to 0, then sequential search is used.

Default is 1.

: int unur_tabl_set_boundary (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double left, double right)

Set the left and right boundary of the computation interval. The piecewise hat is only constructed inside this interval. The probability outside of this region must not be of computational relevance. Of course +/- UNUR_INFINITY is not allowed.

Default is -1.e20,1.e20.

: int unur_tabl_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* gen, double left, double right)

Change the borders of the domain of the (truncated) distribution.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call. The hat function will not be changed.

Important: The ratio between the area below the hat and the area below the squeeze changes when the sampling region is restricted. In particalur it becomes (very) large when sampling from the (far) tail of the distribution. Then it is better to create a generator object for the tail of distribution only.

Important: This call does not work for variant IA (immediate acceptance). In this case UNU.RAN switches automatically to variant RH (use “classical” acceptance/rejection from hat distribution) and does revert to the variant originally set by the user.

Important: It is not a good idea to use adaptave rejection sampling while sampling from a domain that is a strict subset of the domain that has been used to construct the hat. For that reason adaptive adding of construction points is automatically disabled by this call.

Important: If the CDF of the hat is (almost) the same for left and right and (almost) equal to 0 or 1, then the truncated domain is not changed and the call returns an error code.

: int unur_tabl_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_tabl_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_tabl_set_pedantic (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int pedantic)

Sometimes it might happen that unur_init has been executed successfully. But when additional construction points are added by adaptive rejection sampling, the algorithm detects that the PDF is not monotone in the given slopes.

With pedantic being TRUE, the sampling routine is exchanged by a routine that simply returns UNUR_INFINITY indicating an error.

Default is FALSE.


5.3.16 TDR – Transformed Density Rejection

Required:

T-concave PDF, dPDF

Optional:

mode

Speed:

Set-up: slow, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[GWa92] [HWa95] [HLD04: Cha.4]

TDR is an acceptance/rejection method that uses the concavity of a transformed density to construct hat function and squeezes automatically. Such PDFs are called T-concave. Currently the following transformations are implemented and can be selected by setting their c-values by a unur_tdr_set_c call:

c = 0

T(x) = log(x)

c = -0.5

T(x) = -1/sqrt(x)      (Default)

In future releases the transformations T(x) = -(x)^c will be available for any c with 0 > c > -1. Notice that if a PDF is T-concave for a c then it also T-concave for every c’<c. However the performance decreases when c’ is smaller than c. For computational reasons we suggest the usage of c = -0.5 (this is the default). For c <= -1 the hat is not bounded any more if the domain of the PDF is unbounded. But in the case of a bounded domain using method TABL is preferred to a TDR with c < -1 (except in a few special cases).

We offer three variants of the algorithm.

GW

squeezes between construction points

PS

squeezes proportional to hat function      (Default)

IA

same as variant PS but uses a compositon method with “immediate acceptance” in the region below the squeeze.

GW has a slightly faster setup but higher marginal generation times. PS is faster than GW. IA uses less uniform random numbers and is therefore faster than PS.

It is also possible to evaluate the inverse of the CDF of the hat distribution directly using the unur_tdr_eval_invcdfhat call.

There are lots of parameters for these methods, see below.

It is possible to use this method for correlation induction by setting an auxiliary uniform random number generator via the unur_set_urng_aux call. (Notice that this must be done after a possible unur_set_urng call.) When an auxiliary generator is used then the number of uniform random numbers from the first URNG that are used for one generated random variate is constant and given in the following table:

GW ... 2
PS ... 2
IA ... 1

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not. It can be switched on by calling unur_tdr_set_verify and unur_tdr_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (much) slower then.

For densities with modes not close to 0 it is suggested to set either the mode or the center of the distribution by the unur_distr_cont_set_mode or unur_distr_cont_set_center call. The latter is the approximate location of the mode or the mean of the distribution. This location provides some information about the main part of the PDF and is used to avoid numerical problems.

It is possible to use this method for generating from truncated distributions. It even can be changed for an existing generator object by an unur_tdr_chg_truncated call.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Important: The ratio between the area below the hat and the area below the squeeze changes when the sampling region is restricted. Especially it becomes (very) small when sampling from the (far) tail of the distribution. Then it is better to create a new generator object for the tail of the distribution only.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_tdr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_tdr_set_c (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double c)

Set parameter c for transformation T. Currently only values between 0 and -0.5 are allowed. If c is between 0 and -0.5 it is set to -0.5.

Default is -0.5.

: int unur_tdr_set_variant_gw (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use original version with squeezes between construction points as proposed by Gilks & Wild (1992).

: int unur_tdr_set_variant_ps (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use squeezes proportional to the hat function. This is faster than the original version. This is the default.

: int unur_tdr_set_variant_ia (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use squeezes proportional to the hat function together with a composition method that required less uniform random numbers.

: int unur_tdr_set_usedars (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usedars)

If usedars is set to TRUE, “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling” (DARS) is used in setup. Intervals where the area between hat and squeeze is too large compared to the average area between hat and squeeze over all intervals are split. This procedure is repeated until the ratio between area below squeeze and area below hat exceeds the bound given by unur_tdr_set_max_sqhratio call or the maximum number of intervals is reached. Moreover, it also aborts when no more intervals can be found for splitting.

For finding splitting points the following rules are used (in this order, i.e., is if the first rule cannot be applied, the next one is used):

  1. Use the expected value of adaptive rejection sampling.
  2. Use the arc-mean rule (a mixture of arithmetic mean and harmonic mean).
  3. Use the arithmetic mean of the interval boundaries.

Notice, however, that for unbounded intervals neither rule 1 nor rule 3 can be used.

As an additional feature, it is possible to choose amoung these rules. If usedars is set to 1 or TRUE the expected point (rule 1) is used (it switches to rule 2 for a particular interval if rule 1 cannot be applied). If it is set to 2 the arc-mean rule is used. If it is set to 3 the mean is used. Notice that rule 3 can only be used if the domain of the distribution is bounded. It is faster than the other two methods but for heavy-tailed distribution and large domain the hat converges extremely slowly.

The default depends on the given construction points. If the user has provided such points via a unur_tdr_set_cpoints call, then usedars is set to FALSE by default, i.e., there is no further splitting. If the user has only given the number of construction points (or only uses the default number), then usedars is set to TRUE (i.e., use rule 1).

: int unur_tdr_set_darsfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for “derandomized adaptive rejection sampling”. This factor is used to determine the intervals that are “too large”, that is, all intervals where the area between squeeze and hat is larger than factor times the average area over all intervals between squeeze and hat. Notice that all intervals are split when factor is set to 0., and that there is no splitting at all when factor is set to UNUR_INFINITY.

Default is 0.99. There is no need to change this parameter.

: int unur_tdr_set_cpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_stp, const double* stp)

Set construction points for the hat function. If stp is NULL than a heuristic rule of thumb is used to get n_stp construction points. This is the default behavior.

The default number of construction points is 30.

: int unur_tdr_set_reinit_percentiles (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int n_percentiles, const double* percentiles)
: int unur_tdr_chg_reinit_percentiles (UNUR_GEN* generator, int n_percentiles, const double* percentiles)

By default, when the generator object is reinitialized, it used the same construction points as for the initialization procedure. Often the underlying distribution object has been changed only moderately. For example, the full conditional distribution of a multivariate distribution. In this case it might be more appropriate to use percentilesm of the hat function for the last (unchanged) distribution. percentiles must then be a pointer to an ordered array of numbers between 0.01 and 0.99. If percentiles is NULL, then a heuristic rule of thumb is used to get n_percentiles values for these percentiles. Notice that n_percentiles must be at least 2, otherwise defaults are used. (Then the first and third quartiles are used by default.)

: int unur_tdr_set_reinit_ncpoints (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int ncpoints)
: int unur_tdr_chg_reinit_ncpoints (UNUR_GEN* generator, int ncpoints)

When reinit fails with the given construction points or the percentiles of the old hat function, another trial is undertaken with ncpoints construction points. ncpoints must be at least 10.

Default: 50

: int unur_tdr_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* gen, double left, double right)

Change the borders of the domain of the (truncated) distribution.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call. The hat function will not be changed and there is no need to run unur_reinit. Important: The ratio between the area below the hat and the area below the squeeze changes when the sampling region is restricted. In particular it becomes (very) large when sampling from the (far) tail of the distribution. Then it is better to create a generator object for the tail of distribution only.

Important: This call does not work for variant IA (immediate acceptance). In this case UNU.RAN switches automatically to variant PS.

Important: It is not a good idea to use adaptave rejection sampling while sampling from a domain that is a strict subset of the domain that has been used to construct the hat. For that reason adaptive adding of construction points is automatically disabled by this call.

Important: If the CDF of the hat is (almost) the same for left and right and (almost) equal to 0 or 1, then the truncated domain is not changed and the call returns an error code.

: int unur_tdr_set_max_sqhratio (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double max_ratio)

Set upper bound for the ratio (area below squeeze) / (area below hat). It must be a number between 0 and 1. When the ratio exceeds the given number no further construction points are inserted via adaptive rejection sampling. Use 0 if no construction points should be added after the setup. Use 1 if added new construction points should not be stopped until the maximum number of construction points is reached.

Default is 0.99.

: double unur_tdr_get_sqhratio (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the current ratio (area below squeeze) / (area below hat) for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_tdr_get_hatarea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the hat for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: double unur_tdr_get_squeezearea (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the area below the squeeze for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: int unur_tdr_set_max_intervals (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int max_ivs)

Set maximum number of intervals. No construction points are added after the setup when the number of intervals suceeds max_ivs. It is increased automatically to twice the number of construction points if this is larger.

Default is 100.

: int unur_tdr_set_usecenter (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usecenter)

Use the center as construction point. Default is TRUE.

: int unur_tdr_set_usemode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int usemode)

Use the (exact!) mode as construction point. Notice that the behavior of the algorithm is different to simply adding the mode in the list of construction points via a unur_tdr_set_cpoints call. In the latter case the mode is treated just like any other point. However, when usemode is TRUE, the tangent in the mode is always set to 0. Then the hat of the transformed density can never cut the x-axis which must never happen if c < 0, since otherwise the hat would not be bounded.

Default is TRUE.

: int unur_tdr_set_guidefactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set factor for relative size of the guide table for indexed search (see also method DGT DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)). It must be greater than or equal to 0. When set to 0, then sequential search is used.

Default is 2.

: int unur_tdr_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_tdr_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_tdr_set_pedantic (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int pedantic)

Sometimes it might happen that unur_init has been executed successfully. But when additional construction points are added by adaptive rejection sampling, the algorithm detects that the PDF is not T-concave.

With pedantic being TRUE, the sampling routine is exchanged by a routine that simply returns UNUR_INFINITY. Otherwise the new point is not added to the list of construction points. At least the hat function remains T-concave.

Setting pedantic to FALSE allows sampling from a distribution which is “almost” T-concave and small errors are tolerated. However it might happen that the hat function cannot be improved significantly. When the hat functions that has been constructed by the unur_init call is extremely large then it might happen that the generation times are extremely high (even hours are possible in extremely rare cases).

Default is FALSE.

: double unur_tdr_eval_invcdfhat (const UNUR_GEN* generator, double u, double* hx, double* fx, double* sqx)

Evaluate the inverse of the CDF of the hat distribution at u. As a side effect the values of the hat, the density, and the squeeze at the computed point x are stored in hx, fx, and sqx, respectively. However, these computations are suppressed if the corresponding variable is set to NULL.

If u is out of the domain [0,1] then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_DOMAIN and the respective bound of the domain of the distribution are returned (which is -UNUR_INFINITY or UNUR_INFINITY in the case of unbounded domains).

Important: This call does not work for variant IA (immediate acceptance). In this case the hat CDF is evaluated as if variant PS is used.

Notice: This function always evaluates the inverse CDF of the hat distribution. A call to unur_tdr_chg_truncated call has no effect.


5.3.17 UTDR – Universal Transformed Density Rejection

Required:

T-concave PDF, mode, approximate area

Speed:

Set-up: moderate, Sampling: Moderate

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HWa95] [HLD04: Sect.4.5.4; Alg.4.4]

UTDR is based on the transformed density rejection and uses three almost optimal points for constructing hat and squeezes. It works for all T-concave distributions with T(x) = -1/sqrt(()x).

It requires the PDF and the (exact) location of the mode. Notice that if no mode is given at all, a (slow) numerical mode finder will be used. Moreover the approximate area below the given PDF is used. (If no area is given for the distribution the algorithm assumes that it is approximately 1.) The rejection constant is bounded from above by 4 for all T-concave distributions.

How To Use

UTDR works for any continuous univariate distribution object with given T-concave PDF (with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x),) mode and approximate area below PDF.

When the PDF does not change at the mode for varying parameters, then this value can be set with unur_utdr_set_pdfatmode to avoid some computations. Since this value will not be updated any more when the parameters of the distribution are changed, the unur_utdr_chg_pdfatmode call is necessary to do this manually.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that derived parameters like the mode must also be (re-) set if the parameters or the domain has be changed. Moreover, if the PDF at the mode has been provided by a unur_utdr_set_pdfatmode call, additionally unur_utdr_chg_pdfatmode must be used (otherwise this call is not necessary since then this figure is computed directly from the PDF).

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not. It can be switched on by calling unur_utdr_set_verify and unur_utdr_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is slower then.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_utdr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_utdr_set_pdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double fmode)

Set pdf at mode. When set, the PDF at the mode is never changed. This is to avoid additional computations, when the PDF does not change when parameters of the distributions vary. It is only useful when the PDF at the mode does not change with changing parameters for the distribution.

Default: not set.

: int unur_utdr_set_cpfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double cp_factor)

Set factor for position of left and right construction point. The cp_factor is used to find almost optimal construction points for the hat function. There is no need to change this factor in almost all situations.

Default is 0.664.

: int unur_utdr_set_deltafactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double delta)

Set factor for replacing tangents by secants. higher factors increase the rejection constant but reduces the risk of serious round-off errors. There is no need to change this factor it almost all situations.

Default is 1.e-5.

: int unur_utdr_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_utdr_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_utdr_chg_pdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double fmode)

Change PDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.


5.4 Methods for continuous empirical univariate distributions

Overview of methods

Methods for continuous empirical univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_cont

EMPK: Requires an observed sample.
EMPL: Requires an observed sample.

Example

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_emp.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from an empirial continuous univariate  */
/* distribution.                                                 */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;
  double x;
  
  /* data points                                                 */
  double data[15] = { -0.1,  0.05, -0.5,   0.08,  0.13,\
		      -0.21,-0.44, -0.43, -0.33, -0.3, \
		       0.18, 0.2,  -0.37, -0.29, -0.9 };

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create a distribution object and set empirical sample.      */
  distr = unur_distr_cemp_new();
  unur_distr_cemp_set_data(distr, data, 15); 

  /* Choose a method: EMPK.                                      */
  par = unur_empk_new(distr);

  /* Set smooting factor.                                        */
  unur_empk_set_smoothing(par, 0.8);
  
  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Example (String API)

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_emp_str.c                                       */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from an empirial continuous univariate  */
/* distribution.                                                 */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;
  double x;
  
  /* Declare UNURAN generator object.                            */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_str2gen("distr = cemp; \
                         data=(-0.10, 0.05,-0.50, 0.08, 0.13,   \
                               -0.21,-0.44,-0.43,-0.33,-0.30,   \
                                0.18, 0.20,-0.37,-0.29,-0.90) & \
                      method=empk; smoothing=0.8");

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

5.4.1 EMPK – EMPirical distribution with Kernel smoothing

Required:

observed sample

Speed:

Set-up: slow (as sample is sorted), Sampling: fast (depends on kernel)

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLa00] [HLD04: Sect.12.1.2]

EMPK generates random variates from an empirical distribution that is given by an observed sample. The idea is that simply choosing a random point from the sample and to return it with some added noise results in a method that has very nice properties, as it can be seen as sampling from a kernel density estimate. If the underlying distribution is continuous, especially the fine structur of the resulting empirical distribution is much better than using only resampling without noise.

Clearly we have to decide about the density of the noise (called kernel) and about the standard deviation of the noise. The mathematical theory of kernel density estimation shows us that we are comparatively free in choosing the kernel. It also supplies us with a simple formula to compute the optimal standarddeviation of the noise, called bandwidth (or window width) of the kernel.

The variance of the estimated density is slightly larger than that of the observed sample. However, this can be easily corrected if required.

There is also a correction (mirroring technique) for distributions with non-negative support.

A simple robust reference method is implemented to find a good standard deviation of the noise (i.e. the bandwidth of kernel density estimation). For some cases (e.g. densities with two or more sharp distinct peaks) there kernel density estimation can be adjusted by changing the smoothness factor and the so called beta factor.

How To Use

EMPK uses empirical distributions. The main parameter is the choice if of kernel density. The most important kernels can be set by unur_empk_set_kernel. Additionally generators for other kernels can be used by using unur_empk_set_kernelgen instead. Additionally variance correction and a correction for non-negative variates can be switched on.

The two other parameters (smoothing factor and beta factor) are only useful for people knowing the theory of kernel density estimation. It is not necessary to change them if the true underlying distribution is somehow comparable with a bell-shaped curve, even skewed or with some not too sharp extra peaks. In all these cases the simple robust reference method implemented to find a good standard deviation of the noise (i.e. the bandwidth of kernel density estimation) should give sensible results. However, it might be necessary to overwrite this automatic method to find the bandwidth eg. when resampling from data with two or more sharp distinct peaks. Then the distribution has nearly discrete components as well and our automatic method may easily choose too large a bandwidth which results in an empirical distribution which is oversmoothed (i.e. it has lower peaks than the original distribution). Then it is recommended to decrease the bandwidth using the unur_empk_set_smoothing call. A smoothing factor of 1 is the default. A smoothing factor of 0 leads to naive resampling of the data. Thus an appropriate value between these extremes should be choosen. We recommend to consult a reference on kernel smoothing when doing so; but it is not a simple problem to determine an optimal bandwidth for distributions with sharp peaks.

In general, for most applications it is perfectly ok to use the default values offered. Unless you have some knowledge on density estimation we do not recommend to change anything. There are two exceptions:

  1. In the case that the unknown underlying distribution is not continuous but discrete you should "turn off" the adding of the noise by setting:
    unur_empk_set_smoothing(par, 0.)
    
  2. In the case that you are especially interested in a fast sampling algorithm use the call
    unur_empk_set_kernel(par, UNUR_DISTR_BOXCAR);
    

    to change the used noise distribution from the default Gaussian distribution to the uniform distribution.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_empk_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_empk_set_kernel (UNUR_PAR* parameters, unsigned kernel)

Select one of the supported kernel distributions. Currently the following kernels are supported:

UNUR_DISTR_GAUSSIAN

Gaussian (normal) kernel

UNUR_DISTR_EPANECHNIKOV

Epanechnikov kernel

UNUR_DISTR_BOXCAR

Boxcar (uniform, rectangular) kernel

UNUR_DISTR_STUDENT

t3 kernel (Student’s distribution with 3 degrees of freedom)

UNUR_DISTR_LOGISTIC

logistic kernel

For other kernels (including kernels with Student’s distribution with other than 3 degrees of freedom) use the unur_empk_set_kernelgen call.

It is not possible to call unur_empk_set_kernel twice.

Default is the Gaussian kernel.

: int unur_empk_set_kernelgen (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const UNUR_GEN* kernelgen, double alpha, double kernelvar)

Set generator for the kernel used for density estimation.

alpha is used to compute the optimal bandwidth from the point of view of minimizing the mean integrated square error (MISE). It depends on the kernel K and is given by

alpha(K) = Var(K)^(-2/5){ \int K(t)^2 dt}^(1/5)

For standard kernels (see above) alpha is computed by the algorithm.

kernvar is the variance of the used kernel. It is only required for the variance corrected version of density estimation (which is used by default); otherwise it is ignored. If kernelvar is nonpositive, variance correction is disabled. For standard kernels (see above) kernvar is computed by the algorithm.

It is not possible to call unur_empk_set_kernelgen after a standard kernel has been selected by a unur_empk_set_kernel call.

Notice that the uniform random number generator of the kernel generator is overwritten during the unur_init call and at each unur_chg_urng call with the uniform generator used for the empirical distribution.

Default is the Gaussian kernel.

: int unur_empk_set_beta (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double beta)

beta is used to compute the optimal bandwidth from the point of view of minimizing the mean integrated square error (MISE). beta depends on the (unknown) distribution of the sampled data points. By default Gaussian distribution is assumed for the sample (beta = 1.3637439). There is no requirement to change beta.

Default: 1.3637439

: int unur_empk_set_smoothing (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double smoothing)
: int unur_empk_chg_smoothing (UNUR_GEN* generator, double smoothing)

Set and change the smoothing factor. The smoothing factor controlles how “smooth” the resulting density estimation will be. A smoothing factor equal to 0 results in naive resampling. A very large smoothing factor (together with the variance correction) results in a density which is approximately equal to the kernel. Default is 1 which results in a smoothing parameter minimising the MISE (mean integrated squared error) if the data are not too far away from normal. If a large smoothing factor is used, then variance correction must be switched on.

Default: 1

: int unur_empk_set_varcor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int varcor)
: int unur_empk_chg_varcor (UNUR_GEN* generator, int varcor)

Switch variance correction in generator on/off. If varcor is TRUE then the variance of the used density estimation is the same as the sample variance. However this increases the MISE of the estimation a little bit.

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_empk_set_positive (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int positive)

If positive is TRUE then only nonnegative random variates are generated. This is done by means of a mirroring technique.

Default is FALSE.


5.4.2 EMPL – EMPirical distribution with Linear interpolation

Required:

observed sample

Speed:

Set-up: slow (as sample is sorted), Sampling: very fast (inversion)

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLa00] [HLD04: Sect.12.1.3]

EMPL generates random variates from an empirical distribution that is given by an observed sample. This is done by linear interpolation of the empirical CDF. Although this method is suggested in the books of Law and Kelton (2000) and Bratly, Fox, and Schrage (1987) we do not recommend this method at all since it has many theoretical drawbacks: The variance of empirical distribution function does not coincide with the variance of the given sample. Moreover, when the sample increases the empirical density function does not converge to the density of the underlying random variate. Notice that the range of the generated point set is always given by the range of the given sample.

This method is provided in UNU.RAN for the sake of completeness. We always recommend to use method EMPK (see EMPirical distribution with Kernel smoothing).

If the data seem to be far away from having a bell shaped histogram, then we think that naive resampling is still better than linear interpolation.

How To Use

EMPL creates and samples from an empiral distribution by linear interpolation of the empirical CDF. There are no parameters to set.

Important: We do not recommend to use this method! Use method EMPK (see EMPirical distribution with Kernel smoothing) instead.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_empl_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.


5.4.3 HIST – HISTogramm of empirical distribution

Required:

histogram

Speed:

Set-up: moderate, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

not implemented

Method HIST generates random variates from an empirical distribution that is given as histogram. Sampling is done using the inversion method.

If observed (raw) data are provided we recommend method EMPK (see EMPirical distribution with Kernel smoothing) instead of compting a histogram as this reduces information.

How To Use

Method HIST uses empirical distributions that are given as a histgram. There are no optional parameters.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hist_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.


5.5 Methods for continuous multivariate distributions

Overview of methods

Methods for continuous multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

NORTA: Requires rank correlation matrix and marginal distributions.
VNROU: Requires the PDF.
MVSTD: Generator for built-in standard distributions.
MVTDR: Requires PDF and gradiant of PDF.


5.5.1 MVSTD – MultiVariate continuous STandarD distributions

Required:

standard distribution from UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions).

Speed:

depends on distribution and generator

Reinit:

supported

MVSTD is a wrapper for special generators for multivariate continuous standard distributions. It only works for distributions in the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions). If a distribution object is provided that is build from scratch, or if no special generator for the given standard distribution is provided, the NULL pointer is returned.

How To Use

Create a distribution object for a standard distribution from the UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions).

Sampling from truncated distributions (which can be constructed by changing the default domain of a distribution by means of unur_distr_cvec_set_domain_rect call) is not possible.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_mvstd_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for new generator. It requires a distribution object for a multivariate continuous distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions). Using a truncated distribution is not possible.


5.5.2 MVTDR – Multi-Variate Transformed Density Rejection

Required:

log-concave (log)PDF, gradient of (log)PDF

Optional:

mode

Speed:

Set-up: slow, Sampling: depends on dimension

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.11.3.4; Alg.11.15.] [LJa98]

MVTDR a multivariate version of the Transformed Density Rection (see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection) that works for log-concave densities. For this method the domain of the distribution is partitioned into cones with the mode (or the center) of the distribution as their (common) vertex. The hat function is then constructed as tangent planes of the transformed density in each of these cones. The respective construction points lie on the central lines in the cones through the vertex. The point is chosen such that the hat is minimal among all such points (see the given references for more details).

The cones are created by starting with the orthants of the reals space. These are then iteratively split when the volume below the hat in such cones is too large. Thus an increasing number of cones results in a better fitting hat function. Notice however, that the required number of cones increases exponentially with the number of dimension. Moreover, due to the construction the rejection does not converge to 1 and remains strictly larger than 1.

For distributions with bounded domains the cones are cut to pyramids that cover the domain.

How To Use

Create a multivariate generator object that contains the PDF and its gradient. This object also should contain the mode of the distribution (or a point nearby should be provided as center of the distribution).

The method has three parameter to adjust the method for the given distribution:

stepsmin

Minimal number of iterations for splitting cones. Notice that we start with 2^dim initial cones and that we arrive at 2^(dim+stepsmin) cones after these splits. So this number must be set with care. It can be set by a unur_mvtdr_set_stepsmin call.

boundsplitting

Cones where the volume below the hat is relatively large (i.e. larger than the average volume over all cones times boundsplitting are further split. This parameter can set via a unur_mvtdr_set_boundsplitting call.

maxcones

The maximum number of generated cones. When this number is reached, the initialization routine is stopped. Notice that the rejection constant can be still prohibitive large. This parameter can set via a unur_mvtdr_set_maxcones call.

Setting of these parameter can be quite tricky. The default settings lead to hat functions where the volume below the hat is similar in each cone. However, there might be some problems with distributions with higher correlations, since then too few cones are created. Then it might be necessary to increase the values for stepsmin and maxcones and to set boundsplitting to 0.

The number of cones and the total volume below the hat can be controlled using the respective calls unur_mvtdr_get_ncones and unur_mvtdr_get_hatvol. Notice, that the rejection constant is bounded from below by some figure (larger than 1) that depends on the dimension.

Unfortunately, the algorithm cannot detect the quality of the constructed hat.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_mvtdr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get parameters for generator.

: int unur_mvtdr_set_stepsmin (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int stepsmin)

Set minimum number of triangulation step for each starting cone. stepsmin must be nonnegative.

Default: 5.

: int unur_mvtdr_set_boundsplitting (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double boundsplitting)

Set bound for splitting cones. All cones are split which have a volume below the hat that is greater than bound_splitting times the average over all volumes. However, the number given by the unur_mvtdr_set_maxcones is not exceeded. Notice that the later number is always reached if bound_splitting is less than 1.

Default: 1.5

: int unur_mvtdr_set_maxcones (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int maxcones)

Set maximum number of cones.

Notice that this number is always increased to 2dim+stepsmin where dim is the dimension of the distribution object and stepsmin the given mimimum number of triangulation steps.

Notice: For higher dimensions and/or higher correlations between the coordinates of the random vector the required number of cones can be very high. A too small maximum number of cones can lead to a very high rejection constant.

Default: 10000.

: int unur_mvtdr_get_ncones (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the number of cones used for the hat function of the generator. (In case of an error 0 is returned.)

: double unur_mvtdr_get_hatvol (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the volume below the hat for the generator. (In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.)

: int unur_mvtdr_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_mvtdr_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.


5.5.3 NORTA – NORmal To Anything

Required:

rank correlation matrix, marginal distributions

Speed:

Set-up: slow, Sampling: depends on dimension

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.12.5.2; Alg.12.11.]

NORTA (NORmal to anything) is a model to get random vectors with given marginal distributions and rank correlation.

Important: Notice that marginal distribution and (rank) correlation structure do not uniquely define a multivariate distribution. Thus there are many other (more or less sensible) models.

In the NORTA model multinormal random variates with the given (Spearman’s) rank correlations are generated. In a second step the (standard normal distributed) marginal variates are transformed by means of the CDF of the normal distribution to get uniform marginals. The resulting random vectors have uniform marginals and the desired rank correlation between its components. Such a random vector is called ’copula’.

By means of the inverse CDF the uniform marginals are then transformed into the target marginal distributions. This transformation does not change the rank correlation.

For the generation of the multinormal distribution the (Spearman’s) rank correlation matrix is transformed into the corresponding (Pearson) correlation matrix. Samples from the resulting multinormal distribution are generated by means of the Cholesky decomposition of the covariance matrix.

It can happen that the desired rank correlation matrix is not feasible, i.e., it cannot occur as rank correlation matrix of a multinormal distribution. The resulting "covariance" matrix is not positive definite. In this case an eigenvector correction method is used. Then all non-positive eigenvalues are set to a small positive value and hence the rank correlation matrix of the generated random vectors is "close" to the desired matrix.

How To Use

Create a multivariate generator object and set marginal distributions using unur_distr_cvec_set_marginals unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_array , or unur_distr_cvec_set_marginal_list. (Do not use the corresponding calls for the standard marginal distributions).

When the domain of the multivariate distribution is set by of a unur_distr_cvec_set_domain_rect call then the domain of each of the marginal distributions is truncated by the respective coordinates of the given rectangle.

If copulae are required (i.e. multivariate distributions with uniform marginals) such a generator object can be created by means of unur_distr_copula .

There are no optional parameters for this method.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_norta_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.


5.5.4 VNROU – Multivariate Naive Ratio-Of-Uniforms method

Required:

PDF

Optional:

mode, center, bounding rectangle for acceptance region

Speed:

Set-up: fast or slow, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[WGS91]

VNROU is an implementation of the multivariate ratio-of-uniforms method which uses a (minimal) bounding hyper-rectangle, see also The Ratio-of-Uniforms Method. It uses an additional parameter r that can be used for adjusting the algorithm to the given distribution to improve performance and/or to make this method applicable. Larger values of r increase the class of distributions for which the method works at the expense of higher rejection constants. Moreover, this implementation uses the center mu of the distribution (which is set to the mode or mean by default, see unur_distr_cvec_get_center for details of its default values).

The minimal bounding has then the coordinates

v+ = sup_x (f(x))1/r d+1,
u-_i = inf_x_i (x_i- mu_i) (f(x))r/r d+1,
u+_i = sup_x_i (x_i- mu_i) (f(x))r/r d+1,

where x_i is the i-th coordinate of point x; mu_i is the i-th coordinate of the center mu. d denotes the dimension of the distribution. These bounds can either be given directly, or are computed automatically by means of an numerical routine by Hooke and Jeeves [HJa61] called direct search (see src/utils/hooke.c for further references and details). Of course this algorithm can fail, especially when this rectangle is not bounded.

It is important to note that the algorithm works with PDF(x-center) instead of PDF(x), i.e. the bounding rectangle has to be provided for PDF(x-center). This is important as otherwise the acceptance region can become a very long and skinny ellipsoid along a diagonal of the (huge) bounding rectangle.

VNROU is based on the rejection method (see The Rejection Method), and it is important to note that the acceptance probability decreases exponentially with dimension. Thus even for moderately many dimensions (e.g. 5) the number of repetitions to get one random vector can be prohibitively large and the algorithm seems to stay in an infinite loop.

How To Use

For using the VNROU method UNU.RAN needs the PDF of the distribution. Additionally, the parameter r can be set via a unur_vnrou_set_r call. Notice that the acceptance probability decreases when r is increased. On the other hand is is more unlikely that the bounding rectangle does not exist if r is small.

A bounding rectangle can be given by the unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls.

Important: The bounding rectangle has to be provided for the function PDF(x-center)! Notice that center is the center of the given distribution, see unur_distr_cvec_set_center. If in doubt or if this value is not optimal, it can be changed (overridden) by a unur_distr_cvec_set_center call.

If the coordinates of the bounding rectangle are not provided by the user then the minimal bounding rectangle is computed automatically.

By means of unur_vnrou_set_verify and unur_vnrou_chg_verify one can run the sampling algorithm in a checking mode, i.e., in every cycle of the rejection loop it is checked whether the used rectangle indeed enclosed the acceptance region of the distribution. When in doubt (e.g., when it is not clear whether the numerical routine has worked correctly) this can be used to run a small Monte Carlo study.

Important: The rejection constant (i.e. the expected number of iterations for generationg one random vector) can be extremely high, in particular when the dimension is 4 or higher. Then the algorithm will perform almost infinite loops. Thus it is recommended to read the volume below the hat function by means of the unur_vnrou_get_volumehat call. The returned number divided by the volume below the PDF (which is 1 in case of a normalized PDF) gives the rejection constant.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that the coordinates of a bounding rectangle given by unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls are used also when the generator is reused. These can be changed by means of unur_vnrou_chg_u and unur_vnrou_chg_v calls. (If no such coordinates have been given, then they are computed numerically during the reinitialization proceedure.)

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_vnrou_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_vnrou_set_u (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double* umin, double* umax)

Sets left and right boundaries of bounding hyper-rectangle. If no values are given, the boundary of the minimal bounding hyper-rectangle is computed numerically.

Important: The boundaries are those of the density shifted by the center of the distribution, i.e., for the function PDF(x-center)!

Notice: Computing the minimal bounding rectangle may fail under some circumstances. Moreover, for multimodal distributions the bounds might be too small as only local extrema are computed. Nevertheless, for log-concave distributions it should work.

Default: not set (i.e. computed automatically)

: int unur_vnrou_chg_u (UNUR_GEN* generator, double* umin, double* umax)

Change left and right boundaries of bounding hyper-rectangle.

: int unur_vnrou_set_v (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double vmax)

Set upper boundary for bounding hyper-rectangle. If no values are given, the density at the mode is evaluated. If no mode is given for the distribution it is computed numerically (and might fail).

Default: not set (i.e. computed automatically)

: int unur_vnrou_chg_v (UNUR_GEN* generator, double vmax)

Change upper boundary for bounding hyper-rectangle.

: int unur_vnrou_set_r (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double r)

Sets the parameter r of the generalized multivariate ratio-of-uniforms method.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy r>0.

Default: 1.

: int unur_vnrou_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.

If the condition PDF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_vnrou_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Change the verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off.

: double unur_vnrou_get_volumehat (const UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the volume of below the hat. For normalized densities, i.e. when the volume below PDF is 1, this value equals the rejection constant for the vnrou method.

In case of an error UNUR_INFINITY is returned.


5.6 Markov chain samplers for continuous multivariate distributions

Markov chain samplers generate sequences of random vectors which have the target distribution as stationary distribution. There generated vectors are (more or less) correlated and it might take a long time until the sequence has converged to the given target distribution.

Beware: MCMC sampling can be dangerous!

Overview of methods

Markov Chain Methods for continuous multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

GIBBS: T-concave logPDF and derivatives of logPDF.
HITRO: Requires PDF.


5.6.1 GIBBS – Markov Chain - GIBBS sampler

Required:

T-concave logPDF, derivatives of logPDF

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: moderate

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.14.1.2]

Method GIBBS implements a Gibbs sampler for a multivariate distribution with given joint density and its gradient. When running such a Markov chain all coordinates are updated cyclically using full conditional distributions. After each step the state of the chain is returned (i.e., a random point is returned whenever a single coordinate has been updated). It is also possible to return only points after all coordinates have been updated by "thinning" the chain. Moreover, to reduce autocorrelation this thinning factor can be any integer. Notice, however, that the sampling time for a chain of given length is increased by the same factor, too.

GIBBS also provides a variant of the Gibbs sampler where in each step a point from the full conditional distribution along some random direction is sampled. This direction is chosen uniformly from the sphere in each step. This method is also known as Hit-and-Run algorithm for non-uniform distributions.

Our experiences shows that the original Gibbs sampler with sampling along coordinate axes is superior to random direction sampling as long as the correlations between the components of the random vector are not too high.

For both variants transformed density rejection (see methods see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection and see ARS – Adaptive Rejection Sampling) is used to sample from the full conditional distributions. In opposition to the univariate case, it is important that the factor c is as large as possible. I.e., for a log-concave density c must be set to 0., since otherwise numerical underflow might stop the algorithm.

Important: GIBBS does not generate independent random points. The starting point of the Gibbs chain must be in a "typical" region of the target distribution. If such a point is not known or would be too expensive, then the first part of the chain should be discarded (burn-in of the chain).

How To Use

For using the GIBBS method UNU.RAN needs the logarithm of the PDF of the multivariate joint distribution and its gradient or partial derivatives.

It provides two variants:

coordinate direction sampling (Gibbs sampling) [default]

The coordinates are updated cyclically. It requires the partial derivatives of the (logarithm of the) PDF of the target distribution, see unur_distr_cvec_set_pdlogpdf. Otherwise, the gradient of the logPDF (see unur_distr_cvec_set_dlogpdf ) is used, which is more expensive.

This variant can be selected using unur_gibbs_set_variant_coordinate.

random direction sampling (nonuniform Hit-and-Run algorithm)

In each step is a direction is sampled uniformly from the sphere and the next point in the chain is sampled from the full conditional distribution along this direction.

It requires the gradient of the logPDF and thus each step is more expensive than each step for coordinate direction sampling.

This variant can be selected using unur_gibbs_set_variant_random_direction.

It is important that the c parameter for the TDR method is as large as possible. For logconcave distribution it must be set to 0, since otherwise numerical underflow can cause the algorithm to stop.

The starting point of the Gibbs chain must be "typical" for the target distribution. If such a point is not known or would be too expensive, then the first part of the chain should be discarded (burn-in of the chain). When using the unur_gibbs_set_burnin call this is done during the setup of the Gibbs sampler object.

In case of a fatal error in the generator for conditional distributions the methods generates points that contain UNUR_INFINITY.

Warning: The algorithm requires that all full conditionals for the given distribution object are T-concave. However, this property is not checked. If this property is not satisfied, then generation from the conditional distributions becomes (very) slow and might fail or (even worse) produces random vectors from an incorrect distribution. When using unur_gibbs_set_burnin then the setup already might fail. Thus when in doubt whether GIBBS can be used for the targent distribution it is a good idea to use a burn-in for checking.

Remark: It might happen (very rarely) that the chain becomes stuck due to numerical errors. (This is in particular the case when the given PDF does not fulfill the condition of this method.) When this happens during burn-in then the setup is aborted (i.e. it fails). Otherwise the chain restarts again from its starting point.

Warning: Be carefull with debugging flags. If it contains flag 0x01000000u it produces a lot of output for each step in the algorithm. (This flag is switched of in the default debugging flags).

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_gibbs_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

...........................................................................

: int unur_gibbs_set_variant_coordinate (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Coordinate Direction Sampling: Sampling along the coordinate directions (cyclic).

This is the default.

: int unur_gibbs_set_variant_random_direction (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Random Direction Sampling: Sampling along the random directions.

: int unur_gibbs_set_c (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double c)

Set parameter c for transformation T of the transformed density rejection method. Currently only values between 0 and -0.5 are allowed. If c is between 0 and -0.5 it is set to -0.5.

For c =0 (for logconcave densities) method ARS (see ARS – Adaptive Rejection Sampling) is used which is very robust against badly normalized PDFs. For other values method TDR (see TDR – Transformed Density Rejection) is used.

The value for c should be as large as possible to avoid fatal numerical underflows. Thus for log-concave distributions c must be set to 0.

Default is 0.

: int unur_gibbs_set_startingpoint (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const double* x0)

Sets the starting point of the Gibbs sampler. x0 must be a "typical" point of the given distribution. If such a "typical" point is not known and a starting point is merely guessed, the first part of the Gibbs chain should be discarded (burn-in), e.g.\ by mean of the unur_gibbs_set_burnin call.

Default is the result of unur_distr_cvec_get_center for the given distribution object.

: int unur_gibbs_set_thinning (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int thinning)

Sets the thinning parameter. When thinning is set to k then every k-th point from the iteration is returned by the sampling algorithm.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy thinning>=1.

Default: 1.

: int unur_gibbs_set_burnin (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int burnin)

If a "typical" point for the target distribution is not known but merely guessed, the first part of the Gibbs chain should be discarded (burn-in). This can be done during the initialization of the generator object. The length of the burn-in can is then burnin.

When method GIBBS is not applicable for the target distribution then the initialization already might fail during the burn-in. Thus this reduces the risk of running a generator that returns UNUR_INFINITY cased by some fatal error during sampling.

The thinning factor set by a unur_gibbs_set_thinning call has no effect on the length of the burn-in, i.e., for the burn-in always a thinning factor 1 is used.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy thinning>=0.

Default: 0.

: const double* unur_gibbs_get_state (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_gibbs_chg_state (UNUR_GEN* generator, const double* state)

Get and change the current state of the Gibbs chain.

: int unur_gibbs_reset_state (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Reset state of chain to starting point.

Notice: Currently this function does not reset the generators for conditional distributions. Thus it is not possible to get the same Gibbs chain even when the underlying uniform random number generator is reset.


5.6.2 HITRO – Markov Chain - HIT-and-run sampler with Ratio-Of-uniforms

Required:

PDF

Optional:

mode, center, bounding rectangle for acceptance region

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[KLPa05]

HITRO is an implementation of a hit-and-run sampler that runs on the acceptance region of the multivariate ratio-of-uniforms method, see The Ratio-of-Uniforms Method.

The Ratio-of-Uniforms transforms the region below the density into some region that we call "region of acceptance" in the following. The minimal bounding hyperrectangle of this region is given by

v+ = sup_x (f(x))1/r d+1,
u-_i = inf_x_i (x_i- mu_i) (f(x))r/r d+1,
u+_i = sup_x_i (x_i- mu_i) (f(x))r/r d+1,

where d denotes the dimension of the distribution; x_i is the i-th coordinate of point x; mu_i is the i-th coordinate of the center mu of the distribution, i.e., a point in the "main region" of the distribution. Using the center is important, since otherwise the acceptance region can become a very long and skinny ellipsoid along a diagonal of the (huge) bounding rectangle.

For each step of the Hit-and-Run algorithm we have to choose some direction. This direction together with the current point of the chain determines a straight line. Then a point is sampled uniformly on intersection of this line and the region of acceptance. This is done by rejection from a uniform distribution on a line segment that covers it. Depending of the chosen variant the endpoints of this covering line are computed either by means of a (not necessary minimal) bounding hyper-rectangle, or just the "covering plate" of the bounding hyper-rectangle.

The required bounds of the hyper-rectable can be given directly by the user. Otherwise, these are computed automatically by means of a numerical routine by Hooke and Jeeves [HJa61] called direct search (see src/utils/hooke.c for further references and details). However, this expensive computation can be avoided by determine these bounds "on the fly" by the following adaptive algorithm: Start with some (small) hyper-rectangle and enlarge it whenever the endpoints of the covering line segment are not contained in the acceptance region of the Ratio-of-Unfiorms method. This approach works reliable as long as the region of acceptance is convex.

The performance of the uniform sampling from the line segment is much improved if the covering line is adjusted (shortened) whenever a point is rejected (adaptive sampling). This technique reduces the expected number of iterations enormously.

Method HITRO requires that the region of acceptance of the Ratio-of-Uniforms method is bounded. The shape of this region can be controlled by a parameter r. Higher values of r result in larger classes of distributions with bounded region of acceptance. (A distribution that has such a bounded region for some r also has a bounded region for every r’ greater than r.) On the other hand the acceptance probability decreases with increasing r. Moreover, round-off errors are more likely and (for large values of r) might result in a chain with a stationary distribution different from the target distribution.

Method HITRO works optimal for distributions whose region of acceptance is convex. This is in particular the case for all log-concave distributions when we set r = 1. For bounded but non-convex regions of acceptance convergence is yet not guarenteed by mathematical theory.

How To Use

Method HITRO requires the PDF of the target distribution (derivatives are not necessary).

The acceptance region of the Ratio-of-Uniforms transformation must be bounded. Its shape is controlled by parameter r. By default this parameter is set to 1 as this guarentees a convex region of acceptance when the PDF of the given distribution is log-concave. It should only be set to a different (higher!) value using unur_vnrou_set_r if otherwise x_i (f(x))r/r d+1 were not bounded for each coordinate.

There are two variants of the HITRO sampler:

coordinate direction sampling. [default]

The coordinates are updated cyclically. This can be seen as a Gibbs sampler running on the acceptance region of the Ratio-of-Uniforms method. This variant can be selected using unur_hitro_set_variant_coordinate.

random direction sampling.

In each step is a direction is sampled uniformly from the sphere.

This variant can be selected using unur_hitro_set_variant_random_direction.

Notice that each iteration of the coordinate direction sampler is cheaper than an iteration of the random direction sampler.

Sampling uniformly from the line segment can be adjusted in several ways:

Adaptive line sampling vs. simple rejection.

When adaptive line sampling is switched on, the covering line is shortened whenever a point is rejected. However, when the region of acceptance is not convex the line segment from which we have to sample might not be connected. We found that the algorithm still works but at the time being there is no formal proof that the generated Markov chain has the required stationary distribution.

Adaptive line sampling can switch on/off by means of the unur_hitro_set_use_adaptiveline call.

Bounding hyper-rectangle vs. "covering plate".

For computing the covering line we can use the bounding hyper-rectangle or just its upper bound. The latter saves computing time during the setup and when computing the covering during at each iteration step at the expense of a longer covering line. When adaptive line sampling is used the total generation time for the entire chain is shorter when only the "covering plate" is used.

Notice: When coordinate sampling is used the entire bounding rectangle is used.

Using the entire bounding hyper-rectangle can be switched on/off by means of the unur_hitro_set_use_boundingrectangle call.

Deterministic vs. adaptive bounding hyper-rectangle.

A bounding rectangle can be given by the unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls. Otherwise, the minimal bounding rectangle is computed automatically during the setup by means of a numerical algorithm. However, this is (very) slow especially in higher dimensions and it might happen that this algorithm (like any other numerical algorithm) does not return a correct result.

Alternatively the bounding rectangle can be computed adaptively. In the latter case unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v can be used to provide a starting rectangle which must be sufficiently small. Then both endpoints of the covering line segment are always check whether they are outside the acceptance region of the Ratio-of-Uniforms method. If they are not, then the line segment and the ("bounding") rectangle are enlarged using a factor that can be given using the unur_hitro_set_adaptive_multiplier call.

Notice, that running this method in the adaptive rectangle mode requires that the region of acceptance is convex when random directions are used, or the given PDF is unimodal when coordinate direction sampling is used. Moreover, it requires two additional calls to the PDF in each iteration step of the chain.

Using addaptive bounding rectangles can be switched on/off by means of the unur_hitro_set_use_adaptiverectangle call.

The algorithm takes of a bounded rectangular domain given by a unur_distr_cvec_set_domain_rect call, i.e. the PDF is set to zero for every x outside the given domain. However, it is only the coordinate direction sampler where the boundary values are directly used to get the endpoins of the coverline line for the line sampling step.

Important: The bounding rectangle has to be provided for the function PDF(x-center)! Notice that center is the center of the given distribution, see unur_distr_cvec_set_center. If in doubt or if this value is not optimal, it can be changed (overridden) by a unur_distr_cvec_set_center call.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_hitro_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_hitro_set_variant_coordinate (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Coordinate Direction Sampling: Sampling along the coordinate directions (cyclic).

Notice: For this variant the entire bounding rectangle is always used independent of the unur_hitro_set_use_boundingrectangle call.

This is the default.

: int unur_hitro_set_variant_random_direction (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Random Direction Sampling: Sampling along the random directions.

: int unur_hitro_set_use_adaptiveline (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int adaptive)

When adaptive is set to TRUE adaptive line sampling is applied, otherwise simple rejection is used.

Notice: When adaptive line sampling is switched off, the entire bounding rectangle must be used since otherwise the sampling time can be arbitrarily slow.

Warning: When adaptive line sampling is switched off, sampling can be arbitrarily slow. In particular this happens when random direction sampling is used for distributions with rectangular domains. Then the algorithm can be trapped into a vertex (or even edge).

Default is TRUE.

: int unur_hitro_set_use_boundingrectangle (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int rectangle)

When rectangle is set to TRUE the entire bounding rectangle is used for computing the covering line. Otherwise, only an upper bound for the acceptance region is used.

Notice: When coordinate sampling is used the entire bounding rectangle has is always used and this call has no effect.

Default: FALSE for random direction samplig, TRUE for coordinate direction sampling.

: int unur_hitro_set_use_adaptiverectangle (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int adaptive)

When adaptive is set to FALSE the bounding rectangle is determined during the setup. Either, it is computed automatically by a (slow) numerical method, or it must be provided by unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls.

If adaptive is set to TRUE the bounding rectangle is computed adaptively. In this case the unur_vnrou_set_u and unur_vnrou_set_v calls can be used to provide a starting rectangle. This should be sufficiently small. If not given then we assume v_max = 1, u_min=(-0.001,-0.001,...,-0.001), and u_max=(0.001,0.001,...,0.001). Adaptive enlargements of the bounding hyperrectangle can be controlled set setting an enlargement factor given by a unur_hitro_set_adaptive_multiplier call.

Using adaptive computation of the bounding rectangle reduces the setup time significantly (when it is not given by the user) at the expense of two additional PDF evaluations during each iteration step.

Important: Using adaptive bounding rectangles requires that the region of acceptance is convex when random directions are used, or a unimodal PDF when coordinate direction sampling is used.

Default: FALSE for random direction samplig, TRUE for coordinate direction sampling.

: int unur_hitro_set_r (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double r)

Sets the parameter r of the generalized multivariate ratio-of-uniforms method.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy r>0.

Default: 1.

: int unur_hitro_set_v (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double vmax)

Set upper boundary for bounding hyper-rectangle. If not set not set the mode of the distribution is used.

If adaptive bounding rectangles the value is used for the starting rectangle. If not given (and the mode of the distribution is not known) then vmax=1e-3 is used.

If deterministic bounding rectangles these values are the given values are used for the rectangle. If no value is given (and the mode of the distribution is not known), the upper bound of the minimal bounding hyper-rectangle is computed numerically (slow).

Default: not set.

: int unur_hitro_set_u (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const double* umin, const double* umax)

Sets left and right boundaries of bounding hyper-rectangle.

If adaptive bounding rectangles these values are used for the starting rectangle. If not given then umin={-b,-b,…,-b} and umax={b,b,…,b} with b=1.e-3 is used.

If deterministic bounding rectangles these values are the given values are used for the rectangle. If no values are given, the boundary of the minimal bounding hyper-rectangle is computed numerically (slow).

Important: The boundaries are those of the density shifted by the center of the distribution, i.e., for the function PDF(x-center)!

Notice: Computing the minimal bounding rectangle may fail under some circumstances. Moreover, for multimodal distributions the bounds might be too small as only local extrema are computed. Nevertheless, for log-concave distributions it should work.

Default: not set.

: int unur_hitro_set_adaptive_multiplier (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Adaptive enlargements of the bounding hyperrectangle can be controlled set setting the enlargement factor. This must be greater than 1. Values close to 1 result in small adaptive steps and thus reduce the risk of too large bounding rectangles. On the other hand many adaptive steps might be necessary.

Notice: For practical reasons this call does not accept values for factor less than 1.0001. If this value is UNUR_INFINITY this results in infinite loops.

Default: 1.1

: int unur_hitro_set_startingpoint (UNUR_PAR* parameters, const double* x0)

Sets the starting point of the HITRO sampler in the original scale. x0 must be a "typical" point of the given distribution. If such a "typical" point is not known and a starting point is merely guessed, the first part of the HITRO chain should be discarded (burn-in), e.g.\ by mean of the unur_hitro_set_burnin call.

Important: The PDF of the distribution must not vanish at the given point x0.

Default is the result of unur_distr_cvec_get_center for the given distribution object.

: int unur_hitro_set_thinning (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int thinning)

Sets the thinning parameter. When thinning is set to k then every k-th point from the iteration is returned by the sampling algorithm. If thinning has to be set such that each coordinate is updated when using coordinate direction sampling, then thinning should be dim+1 (or any multiple of it) where dim is the dimension of the distribution object.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy thinning>=1.

Default: 1.

: int unur_hitro_set_burnin (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int burnin)

If a "typical" point for the target distribution is not known but merely guessed, the first part of the HITRO chain should be discarded (burn-in). This can be done during the initialization of the generator object. The length of the burn-in can is then burnin.

The thinning factor set by a unur_hitro_set_thinning call has no effect on the length of the burn-in, i.e., for the burn-in always a thinning factor 1 is used.

Notice: This parameter must satisfy thinning>=0.

Default: 0.

: const double* unur_hitro_get_state (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_hitro_chg_state (UNUR_GEN* generator, const double* state)

Get and change the current state of the HITRO chain.

Notice: The state variable contains the point in the dim+1 dimensional point in the (tansformed) region of acceptance of the Ratio-of-Uniforms method. Its coordinate are stored in the following order: state[] = {v, u1, u2, …, udim}.

If the state can only be changed if the given state is inside this region.

: int unur_hitro_reset_state (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Reset state of chain to starting point.

Notice: Currently this function does not reset the generators for conditional distributions. Thus it is not possible to get the same HITRO chain even when the underlying uniform random number generator is reset.


5.7 Methods for continuous empirical multivariate distributions

Overview of methods

Methods for continuous empirical multivariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_vec

VEMPK: Requires an observed sample.

Example

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_vemp.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from an empirial continuous             */
/* multivariate distribution.                                    */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;

  /* 4 data points of dimension 2                                */
  double data[] = { 1. ,1.,       /* 1st data point              */
		    -1.,1.,       /* 2nd data point              */
		    1.,-1.,       /* 3rd data point              */
		    -1.,-1. };    /* 4th data point              */

  double result[2];

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Create a distribution object with dimension 2.              */
  distr = unur_distr_cvemp_new( 2 );

  /* Set empirical sample.                                       */
  unur_distr_cvemp_set_data(distr, data, 4); 

  /* Choose a method: VEMPK.                                     */
  par = unur_vempk_new(distr);

  /* Use variance correction.                                    */
  unur_vempk_set_varcor( par, 1 );

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    unur_sample_vec(gen, result);
    printf("(%f,%f)\n", result[0], result[1]);
  }
 
  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Example (String API)

(not implemented)


5.7.1 VEMPK – (Vector) EMPirical distribution with Kernel smoothing

Required:

observed sample

Speed:

Set-up: slow, Sampling: slow (depends on dimension)

Reinit:

not implemented

Reference:

[HLa00] [HLD04: Sect.12.2.1]

VEMPK generates random variates from a multivariate empirical distribution that is given by an observed sample. The idea is that simply choosing a random point from the sample and to return it with some added noise results in a method that has very nice properties, as it can be seen as sampling from a kernel density estimate. Clearly we have to decide about the density of the noise (called kernel) and about the covariance matrix of the noise. The mathematical theory of kernel density estimation shows us that we are comparatively free in choosing the kernel. It also supplies us with a simple formula to compute the optimal standarddeviation of the noise, called bandwidth (or window width) of the kernel.

Currently only a Gaussian kernel with the same covariance matrix as the given sample is implemented. However it is possible to choose between a variance corrected version or those with optimal MISE. Additionally a smoothing factor can be set to adjust the estimated density to non-bell-shaped data densities.

How To Use

VEMPK uses empirical distributions. The main parameter would be the choice if of kernel density. However, currently only Gaussian kernels are supported. The parameters for the density are computed by a simple but robust method. However, it is possible to control its behavior by changing the smoothing factor. Additionally, variance correction can be swithed on (at the price of suboptimal MISE).

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_vempk_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_vempk_set_smoothing (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double smoothing)
: int unur_vempk_chg_smoothing (UNUR_GEN* generator, double smoothing)

Set and change the smoothing factor. The smoothing factor controlles how “smooth” the resulting density estimation will be. A smoothing factor equal to 0 results in naive resampling. A very large smoothing factor (together with the variance correction) results in a density which is approximately equal to the kernel. Default is 1 which results in a smoothing parameter minimising the MISE (mean integrated squared error) if the data are not too far away from normal. If a large smoothing factor is used, then variance correction must be switched on.

Default: 1

: int unur_vempk_set_varcor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int varcor)
: int unur_vempk_chg_varcor (UNUR_GEN* generator, int varcor)

Switch variance correction in generator on/off. If varcor is TRUE then the variance of the used density estimation is the same as the sample variance. However this increases the MISE of the estimation a little bit.

Default is FALSE.


5.8 Methods for discrete univariate distributions

Overview of methods

Methods for discrete univariate distributions
sample with unur_sample_discr

methodPMFPVmodesumother
DARIxx~T-concave
DAU[x]x
DEXTwrapper for external generator
DGT[x]x
DSROUxxxT-concave
DSS[x]xx
DSTDbuild-in standard distribution

Example

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_discr.c                                         */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from a discrete univariate distribution.*/

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;
  double param = 0.3;

  double probvec[10] = {1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0,\
                        6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 4.0, 3.0};

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr1, *distr2;    /* distribution objects        */
  UNUR_PAR   *par1, *par2;        /* parameter objects           */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen1, *gen2;        /* generator objects           */

  /* First distribution: defined by PMF.                         */
  distr1 = unur_distr_geometric(&param, 1);
  unur_distr_discr_set_mode(distr1, 0);

  /* Choose a method: DARI.                                      */
  par1 = unur_dari_new(distr1);
  gen1 = unur_init(par1);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen1 == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  
  /* Second distribution: defined by (finite) PV.                */
  distr2 = unur_distr_discr_new();
  unur_distr_discr_set_pv(distr2, probvec, 10);

  /* Choose a method: DGT.                                       */
  par2 = unur_dgt_new(distr2);
  gen2 = unur_init(par2);
  if (gen2 == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  
  /* print some random integers                                  */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++){
    printf("number %d: %d\n", i*2,   unur_sample_discr(gen1) );
    printf("number %d: %d\n", i*2+1, unur_sample_discr(gen2) );
  }

  /* Destroy all objects.                                        */
  unur_distr_free(distr1);
  unur_distr_free(distr2);
  unur_free(gen1);
  unur_free(gen2);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Example (String API)

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_discr_str.c                                     */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* String API.                                                   */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Example how to sample from a discrete univariate distribution.*/

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;     /* loop variable                                 */

  /* Declare UNURAN generator objects.                           */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen1, *gen2;        /* generator objects           */


  /* First distribution: defined by PMF.                         */
  gen1 = unur_str2gen("geometric(0.3); mode=0 & method=dari");

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen1 == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  
  /* Second distribution: defined by (finite) PV.                */
  gen2 = unur_str2gen(
             "distr=discr; pv=(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,4,3) & method=dgt");
  if (gen2 == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }
  
  /* print some random integers                                  */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++){
    printf("number %d: %d\n", i*2,   unur_sample_discr(gen1) );
    printf("number %d: %d\n", i*2+1, unur_sample_discr(gen2) );
  }

  /* Destroy all objects.                                        */
  unur_free(gen1);
  unur_free(gen2);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

5.8.1 DARI – Discrete Automatic Rejection Inversion

Required:

T-concave PMF, mode, approximate area

Speed:

Set-up: moderate, Sampling: fast

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HDa96] [HLD04: Sect.10.2; Alg.10.4]

DARI is based on rejection inversion, which can be seen as an adaptation of transformed density rejection to discrete distributions. The used transformation is -1/sqrt(x) .

DARI uses three almost optimal points for constructing the (continuous) hat. Rejection is then done in horizontal direction. Rejection inversion uses only one uniform random variate per trial.

DARI has moderate set-up times (the PMF is evaluated nine times), and good marginal speed, especially if an auxiliary array is used to store values during generation.

DARI works for all T_-1/2 -concave distributions. It requires the PMF and the location of the mode. Moreover the approximate sum over the PMF is used. (If no sum is given for the distribution the algorithm assumes that it is approximately 1.) The rejection constant is bounded from above by 4 for all T-concave distributions.

How To Use

DARI works for discrete distribution object with given PMF. The sum over probabilities should be approximately one. Otherwise it must be set by a unur_distr_discr_set_pmfsum call to its (approximate) value.

The size of an auxiliary table can be set by unur_dari_set_tablesize. The expected number of evaluations can be reduced by switching the use of squeezes by means of unur_dari_set_squeeze. It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. Notice, that derived parameters like the mode must also be (re-) set if the parameters or the domain has be changed.

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not. It can be switched on by calling unur_dari_set_verify and unur_dari_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (much) slower then.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dari_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_dari_set_squeeze (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int squeeze)

Turn utilization of the squeeze of the algorithm on/off. This squeeze does not resamble the squeeze of the continuous TDR method. It was especially designed for rejection inversion.

The squeeze is not necessary if the size of the auxiliary table is big enough (for the given distribution). Using a squeeze is suggested to speed up the algorithm if the domain of the distribution is very big or if only small samples are produced.

Default: no squeeze.

: int unur_dari_set_tablesize (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int size)

Set the size for the auxiliary table, that stores constants computed during generation. If size is set to 0 no table is used. The speed-up can be impressive if the PMF is expensive to evaluate and the “main part of the distribution” is concentrated in an interval shorter than the size of the table.

Default is 100.

: int unur_dari_set_cpfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double cp_factor)

Set factor for position of the left and right construction point, resp. The cp_factor is used to find almost optimal construction points for the hat function. The cp_factor must be positive and should not exceed 2. There is no need to change this factor in almost all situations.

Default is 0.664.

: int unur_dari_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_dari_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.


5.8.2 DAU – (Discrete) Alias-Urn method

Required:

probability vector (PV)

Speed:

Set-up: slow (linear with the vector-length), Sampling: very fast

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[WAa77] [HLD04: Sect.3.2]

DAU samples from distributions with arbitrary but finite probability vectors (PV) of length N. The algorithmus is based on an ingeneous method by A.J. Walker and requires a table of size (at least) N. It needs one random numbers and only one comparison for each generated random variate. The setup time for constructing the tables is O(N).

By default the probability vector is indexed starting at 0. However this can be changed in the distribution object by a unur_distr_discr_set_domain call.

The method also works when no probability vector but a PMF is given. However then additionally a bounded (not too large) domain must be given or the sum over the PMF (see unur_distr_discr_make_pv for details).

How To Use

Create an object for a discrete distribution either by setting a probability vector or a PMF. The performance can be slightly influenced by setting the size of the used table which can be changed by unur_dau_set_urnfactor. It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dau_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_dau_set_urnfactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set size of urn table relative to length of the probability vector. It must not be less than 1. Larger tables result in (slightly) faster generation times but require a more expensive setup. However sizes larger than 2 are not recommended.

Default is 1.


5.8.3 DEXT – wrapper for Discrete EXTernal generators

Required:

routine for sampling discrete random variates

Speed:

depends on external generator

Reinit:

supported

Method DEXT is a wrapper for external generators for discrete univariate distributions. It allows the usage of external random variate generators within the UNU.RAN framework.

How To Use

The following steps are required to use some external generator within the UNU.RAN framework (some of these are optional):

  1. Make an empty generator object using a unur_dext_new call. The argument distribution is optional and can be replaced by NULL. However, it is required if you want to pass parameters of the generated distribution to the external generator or for running some validation tests provided by UNU.RAN.
  2. Create an initialization routine of type int (*init)(UNUR_GEN *gen) and plug it into the generator object using the unur_dext_set_init call. Notice that the init routine must return UNUR_SUCCESS when it has been executed successfully and UNUR_FAILURE otherwise. It is possible to get the size of and the pointer to the array of parameters of the underlying distribution object by the respective calls unur_dext_get_ndistrparams and unur_dext_get_distrparams. Parameters for the external generator that are computed in the init routine can be stored in a single array or structure which is available by the unur_dext_get_params call.

    Using an init routine is optional and can be omitted.

  3. Create a sampling routine of type int (*sample)(UNUR_GEN *gen) and plug it into the generator object using the unur_dext_set_sample call.

    Uniform random numbers are provided by the unur_sample_urng call. Do not use your own implementation of a uniform random number generator directly. If you want to use your own random number generator we recommend to use the UNU.RAN interface (see see Using uniform random number generators).

    The array or structure that contains parameters for the external generator that are computed in the init routine are available using the unur_dext_get_params call.

    Using a sample routine is of course obligatory.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object. The init routine is then called again.

Here is a short example that demonstrates the application of this method by means of the geometric distribution:

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_dext.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* This example shows how an external generator for the          */
/* geometric distribution can be used within the UNURAN          */
/* framework.                                                    */
/*                                                               */
/* Notice, that this example does not provide the simplest       */
/* solution.                                                     */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Initialization routine.                                       */
/*                                                               */
/*   Here we simply read the parameter of the geometric          */
/*   distribution and store it in an array for parameters of     */
/*   the external generator.                                     */
/*   [ Of course we could do this in the sampling routine as     */
/*   and avoid the necessity of this initialization routine. ]   */

int geometric_init (UNUR_GEN *gen)
{ 
  /* Get pointer to parameters of geometric distribution         */
  double *params = unur_dext_get_distrparams(gen);

  /* The parameter is the first entry (see manual)               */
  double p = params[0];

  /* Get array to store this parameter for external generator    */
  double *genpar = unur_dext_get_params(gen, sizeof(double));
  genpar[0] = p;

  /* Executed successfully                                       */
  return UNUR_SUCCESS;
}

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Sampling routine.                                             */
/*                                                               */
/*   Contains the code for the external generator.               */

int geometric_sample (UNUR_GEN *gen)
{ 
  /* Get scale parameter                                         */
  double *genpar = unur_dext_get_params(gen,0);
  double p = genpar[0];

  /* Sample a uniformly distributed random number                */
  double U = unur_sample_urng(gen);

  /* Transform into geometrically distributed random variate     */
  return ( (int) (log(U) / log(1.-p)) );
}

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int i;     /* loop variable                                    */
  int K;     /* will hold the random number                      */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Use predefined geometric distribution with parameter 1/10   */
  double fpar[1] = { 0.1 };
  distr = unur_distr_geometric(fpar, 1);

  /* Use method DEXT                                             */
  par = unur_dext_new(distr);

  /* Set initialization and sampling routines.                   */
  unur_dext_set_init(par, geometric_init);
  unur_dext_set_sample(par, geometric_sample);

  /* Create the generator object.                                */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* It is possible to reuse the distribution object to create   */
  /* another generator object. If you do not need it any more,   */
  /* it should be destroyed to free memory.                      */
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the standard Gaussian distribution.                         */
  /* Eg.:                                                        */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    K = unur_sample_discr(gen);
    printf("%d\n",K);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dext_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for new generator.

: int unur_dext_set_init (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int (* init)(UNUR_GEN* gen ))

Set initialization routine for external generator. Inside the

Important: The routine init must return UNUR_SUCCESS when the generator was initialized successfully and UNUR_FAILURE otherwise.

Parameters that are computed in the init routine can be stored in an array or structure that is avaiable by means of the unur_dext_get_params call. Parameters of the underlying distribution object can be obtained by the unur_dext_get_distrparams call.

: int unur_dext_set_sample (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int (* sample)(UNUR_GEN* gen ))

Set sampling routine for external generator.

Important: Use unur_sample_urng(gen) to get a uniform random number. The pointer to the array or structure that contains the parameters that are precomputed in the init routine are available by unur_dext_get_params(gen,0). Additionally one can use the unur_dext_get_distrparams call.

: void* unur_dext_get_params (UNUR_GEN* generator, size_t size)

Get pointer to memory block for storing parameters of external generator. A memory block of size size is automatically (re-) allocated if necessary and the pointer to this block is stored in the generator object. If one only needs the pointer to this memory block set size to 0.

Notice, that size is the size of the memory block and not the length of an array.

Important: This rountine should only be used in the initialization and sampling routine of the external generator.

: double* unur_dext_get_distrparams (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_dext_get_ndistrparams (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get size of and pointer to array of parameters of underlying distribution in generator object.

Important: These rountines should only be used in the initialization and sampling routine of the external generator.


5.8.4 DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)

Required:

probability vector (PV)

Speed:

Set-up: slow (linear with the vector-length), Sampling: very fast

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[CAa74] [HLD04: Sect.3.1.2]

DGT samples from arbitrary but finite probability vectors. Random numbers are generated by the inversion method, i.e.,

  1. Generate a random number U ~ U(0,1).
  2. Find smallest integer I such that F(I) = P(X<=I) >= U.

Step (2) is the crucial step. Using sequential search requires O(E(X)) comparisons, where E(X) is the expectation of the distribution. Indexed search, however, uses a guide table to jump to some I’ <= I near I to find X in constant time. Indeed the expected number of comparisons is reduced to 2, when the guide table has the same size as the probability vector (this is the default). For larger guide tables this number becomes smaller (but is always larger than 1), for smaller tables it becomes larger. For the limit case of table size 1 the algorithm simply does sequential search (but uses a more expensive setup then method DSS (see DSS – (Discrete) Sequential Search method). On the other hand the setup time for guide table is O(N), where N denotes the length of the probability vector (for size 1 no preprocessing is required). Moreover, for very large guide tables memory effects might even reduce the speed of the algorithm. So we do not recommend to use guide tables that are more than three times larger than the given probability vector. If only a few random numbers have to be generated, (much) smaller table sizes are better. The size of the guide table relative to the length of the given probability vector can be set by a unur_dgt_set_guidefactor call.

There exist two variants for the setup step which can be set by a unur_dgt_set_variant call: Variants 1 and 2. Variant 2 is faster but more sensitive to roundoff errors when the guide table is large. By default variant 2 is used for short probability vectors (N<1000) and variant 1 otherwise.

By default the probability vector is indexed starting at 0. However this can be changed in the distribution object by a unur_distr_discr_set_domain call.

The method also works when no probability vector but a PMF is given. However, then additionally a bounded (not too large) domain must be given or the sum over the PMF. In the latter case the domain of the distribution is trucated (see unur_distr_discr_make_pv for details).

How To Use

Create an object for a discrete distribution either by setting a probability vector or a PMF. The performance can be slightly influenced by setting the size of the used table which can be changed by unur_dgt_set_guidefactor. It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dgt_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_dgt_set_guidefactor (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double factor)

Set size of guide table relative to length of PV. Larger guide tables result in faster generation time but require a more expensive setup. Sizes larger than 3 are not recommended. If the relative size is set to 0, sequential search is used. However, this is not recommended, except in exceptional cases, since method DSS (see DSS – (Discrete) Sequential Search method) is has almost no setup and is thus faster (but requires the sum over the PV as input parameter).

Default is 1.

: int unur_dgt_set_variant (UNUR_PAR* parameters, unsigned variant)

Set variant for setup step. Possible values are 1 or 2. Variant 2 is faster but more sensitive to roundoff errors when the guide table is large. By default variant 2 is used for short probability vectors (N<1000) and variant 1 otherwise.


5.8.5 DSROU – Discrete Simple Ratio-Of-Uniforms method

Required:

T-concave PMF, mode, sum over PMF

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: slow

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[LJa01] [HLD04: Sect.10.3.2; Alg.10.6]

DSROU is based on the ratio-of-uniforms method (see The Ratio-of-Uniforms Method) but uses universal inequalities for constructing a (universal) bounding rectangle. It works for all T-concave distributions with T(x) = -1/sqrt(x) .

The method requires the PMF, the (exact) location of the mode and the sum over the given PDF. The rejection constant is 4 for all T-concave distributions. Optionally the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance of the algorithm. Then the rejection constant is reduced to 2.

How To Use

The method works for T-concave discrete distributions with given PMF. The sum over of the PMF or an upper bound of this sum must be known.

Optionally the CDF at the mode can be given to increase the performance using unur_dsrou_set_cdfatmode. However, this must not be called if the sum over the PMF is replaced by an upper bound.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

If any of mode, CDF at mode, or the sum over the PMF has been changed, then unur_reinit must be executed. (Otherwise the generator produces garbage).

There exists a test mode that verifies whether the conditions for the method are satisfied or not while sampling. It can be switched on or off by calling unur_dsrou_set_verify and unur_dsrou_chg_verify respectively. Notice however that sampling is (a little bit) slower then.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dsrou_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_dsrou_set_cdfatmode (UNUR_PAR* parameters, double Fmode)

Set CDF at mode. When set, the performance of the algorithm is increased by factor 2. However, when the parameters of the distribution are changed unur_dsrou_chg_cdfatmode has to be used to update this value. Notice that the algorithm detects a mode at the left boundary of the domain automatically and it is not necessary to use this call for a monotonically decreasing PMF.

Default: not set.

: int unur_dsrou_set_verify (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int verify)
: int unur_dsrou_chg_verify (UNUR_GEN* generator, int verify)

Turn verifying of algorithm while sampling on/off. If the condition squeeze(x) <= PMF(x) <= hat(x) is violated for some x then unur_errno is set to UNUR_ERR_GEN_CONDITION. However notice that this might happen due to round-off errors for a few values of x (less than 1%).

Default is FALSE.

: int unur_dsrou_chg_cdfatmode (UNUR_GEN* generator, double Fmode)

Change CDF at mode of distribution. unur_reinit must be executed before sampling from the generator again.


5.8.6 DSS – (Discrete) Sequential Search method

Required:

probability vector (PV) and sum over PV; or probability mass function(PMF), sum over PV and domain; or or cumulative distribution function (CDF)

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: very slow (linear in expectation)

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[HLD04: Sect.3.1.1; Alg.3.1]

DSS samples from arbitrary discrete distributions. Random numbers are generated by the inversion method, i.e.,

  1. Generate a random number U ~ U(0,1).
  2. Find smallest integer I such that F(I) = P(X<=I) >= U.

Step (2) is the crucial step. Using sequential search requires O(E(X)) comparisons, where E(X) is the expectation of the distribution. Thus this method is only recommended when only a few random variates from the given distribution are required. Otherwise, table methods like DGT (see DGT – (Discrete) Guide Table method (indexed search)) or DAU (see DAU – (Discrete) Alias-Urn method) are much faster. These methods also need not the sum over the PMF (or PV) as input. On the other hand, however, these methods always compute a table.

DSS runs with the PV, the PMF, or the CDF of the distribution. It uses actually uses the first one in this list (in this ordering) that could be found.

How To Use

It works with a discrete distribution object with contains at least the PV, the PMF, or the CDF.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dss_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.


5.8.7 DSTD – Discrete STandarD distributions

Required:

standard distribution from UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions) or discrete distribution with inverse CDF.

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: depends on distribution and generator

Reinit:

supported

DSTD is a wrapper for special generators for discrete univariate standard distributions. It only works for distributions in the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions) or for discrete distributions where the inverse CDF is given. If a distribution object is provided that is build from scratch, it must provide the inverse CDF. Then CSTD implements the inversion method. Otherwise, the NULL pointer is returned.

For some distributions more than one special generator is possible.

How To Use

Create a distribution object for a standard distribution from the UNU.RAN library (see Standard distributions), or create a discrete distribution object and set the function for the inverse CDF using unur_distr_discr_set_invcdf. For some distributions more than one special generator (variants) is possible. These can be choosen by a unur_dstd_set_variant call. For possible variants See Standard distributions. However the following are common to all distributions:

UNUR_STDGEN_DEFAULT

the default generator.

UNUR_STDGEN_FAST

the fastest available special generator.

UNUR_STDGEN_INVERSION

the inversion method (if available).

Notice that the variant UNUR_STDGEN_FAST for a special generator might be slower than one of the universal algorithms! Additional variants may exist for particular distributions.

Sampling from truncated distributions (which can be constructed by changing the default domain of a distribution by means of unur_distr_discr_set_domain or unur_dstd_chg_truncated calls) is possible but requires the inversion method. Moreover the CDF of the distribution must be implemented.

It is possible to change the parameters and the domain of the chosen distribution and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_dstd_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for new generator. It requires a distribution object for a discrete univariant distribution from the UNU.RAN library of standard distributions (see Standard distributions).

Using a truncated distribution is allowed only if the inversion method is available and selected by the unur_dstd_set_variant call immediately after creating the parameter object. Use a unur_distr_discr_set_domain call to get a truncated distribution.

: int unur_dstd_set_variant (UNUR_PAR* parameters, unsigned variant)

Set variant (special generator) for sampling from a given distribution. For possible variants see Standard distributions.

Common variants are UNUR_STDGEN_DEFAULT for the default generator, UNUR_STDGEN_FAST for (one of the) fastest implemented special generators, and UNUR_STDGEN_INVERSION for the inversion method (if available). If the selected variant number is not implemented, then an error code is returned and the variant is not changed.

: int unur_dstd_chg_truncated (UNUR_GEN* generator, int left, int right)

Change left and right border of the domain of the (truncated) distribution. This is only possible if the inversion method is used. Otherwise this call has no effect and an error code is returned.

Notice that the given truncated domain must be a subset of the domain of the given distribution. The generator always uses the intersection of the domain of the distribution and the truncated domain given by this call.

It is not required to run unur_reinit after this call has been used.

Important: If the CDF is (almost) the same for left and right and (almost) equal to 0 or 1, then the truncated domain is not chanced and the call returns an error code.

Notice: If the parameters of the distribution has been changed it is recommended to set the truncated domain again, since the former call might change the domain of the distribution but not update the values for the boundaries of the truncated distribution.


5.9 Methods for random matrices

Overview of methods

Methods for matrix distributions
sample with unur_sample_matr

MCORR: Distribution object for random correlation matrix.


5.9.1 MCORR – Random CORRelation matrix

Required:

Distribution object for random correlation matrix

Speed:

Set-up: fast, Sampling: depends on dimension

Reinit:

supported

Reference:

[DLa86: Sect.6.1; p.605] [MOa84]

MCORR generates a random correlation matrix (Pearson’s correlation). Two methods are used:

  1. When a random correlation matrix having given eigenvalues is sought, the method of Marsaglia and Olkin [MOa84] is used. In this case, the correlation matrix R is given as R=PDP' where D is a diagonal matrix containing the eigenvalues and P is a random orthonormal matrix. In higher dimensions, the rounding-errors introduced in the previous matrix multiplications could lead to a non-symmetric correlation matrix. Therefore the symmetric correlation matrix is computed as R=(PDP'+P'DP)/2 .
  2. A matrix H is generated where all rows are independent random vectors of unit length uniformly on a sphere. Then HH' is a correlation matrix (and vice versa if HH' is a correlation matrix then the rows of H are random vectors on a sphere).

Notice that due to round-off errors the generated matrices might not be positive definite in extremely rare cases (especially when the given eigenvalues are amost 0).

There are many other possibilites (distributions) of sampling the random rows from a sphere. The chosen methods are simple but does not result in a uniform distriubution of the random correlation matrices.

It only works with distribution objects of random correlation matrices (see Random Correlation Matrix).

How To Use

Create a distibution object for random correlation matrices by a unur_distr_correlation call (see Random Correlation Matrix).

When a correlation matrix with given eigenvalues should be generated, these eigenvalues can be set by a unur_mcorr_set_eigenvalues call.

Otherwise, a faster algorithm is used that generates correlation matrices with random eigenstructure.

Notice that due to round-off errors, there is a (small) chance that the resulting matrix is not positive definite for a Cholesky decomposition algorithm, especially when the dimension of the distribution is high.

It is possible to change the given eigenvalues using unur_mcorr_chg_eigenvalues and run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_mcorr_new (const UNUR_DISTR* distribution)

Get default parameters for generator.

: int unur_mcorr_set_eigenvalues (UNUR_PAR* par, const double* eigenvalues)

Sets the (optional) eigenvalues of the correlation matrix. If set, then the Marsaglia and Olkin algorithm will be used to generate random correlation matrices with given eigenvalues.

Important: the given eigenvalues of the correlation matrix must be strictly positive and sum to the dimension of the matrix. If non-positive eigenvalues are attempted, no eigenvalues are set and an error code is returned. In case, that their sum is different from the dimension, an implicit scaling to give the correct sum is performed.

: int unur_mcorr_chg_eigenvalues (UNUR_GEN* gen, const double* eigenvalues)

Change the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix. One must run unur_reinit to reinitialize the generator object then.


5.10 Methods for uniform univariate distributions


5.10.1 UNIF – wrapper for UNIForm random number generator

UNIF is a simple wrapper that makes it possible to use a uniform random number generator as a UNU.RAN generator. There are no parameters for this method.

How To Use

Create a generator object with NULL as argument. The created generator object returns raw random numbers from the underlying uniform random number generator.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_unif_new (const UNUR_DISTR* dummy)

Get default parameters for generator. UNIF does not need a distribution object. dummy is not used and can (should) be set to NULL. It is used to keep the API consistent.


5.11 Meta Methods for univariate distributions

Example

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_mixt.c                                          */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Mixture of a Gaussian and a Cauchy distribution.              */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;   /* distribution object                    */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;     /* parameter object                       */
  UNUR_GEN   *comp[2]; /* array of generator objects (components)*/
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;     /* generator object for mixture           */

  double prob[2];      /* array of probabilities                 */

  int    i;            /* loop variable                          */
  double x;            /* will hold the random number            */

  /* Create generators for components                            */
  distr = unur_distr_normal(NULL,0);   /* Gaussian distribution  */
  par = unur_pinv_new(distr);          /* choose method PINV     */
  comp[0] = unur_init(par);            /* initialize             */
  unur_distr_free(distr);              /* free distribution obj. */

  distr = unur_distr_cauchy(NULL,0);   /* Cauchy distribution    */
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);           /* choose method TDR      */
  comp[1] = unur_init(par);            /* initialize             */
  unur_distr_free(distr);              /* free distribution obj. */

  /* Probabilities for components (need not sum to 1)            */
  prob[0] = 0.4;    
  prob[1] = 0.3;

  /* Create mixture */
  par = unur_mixt_new(2,prob,comp);

  /* Initialize generator object                                 */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* we do not need the components any more */
  for (i=0; i<2; i++)
    unur_free(comp[i]);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Example (Inversion)

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_mixt_inv.c                                      */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header file.                                   */
#include <unuran.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* Mixture of truncated Gaussian on (-INFINITY,0] and            */
/* Exponential distribution on [0,INFINITY)                      */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;   /* distribution object                    */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;     /* parameter object                       */
  UNUR_GEN   *comp[2]; /* array of generator objects (components)*/
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;     /* generator object for mixture           */

  double prob[2];      /* array of probabilities                 */

  int    i;            /* loop variable                          */
  double x;            /* will hold the random number            */

  /* Create generators for components                            */
  distr = unur_distr_normal(NULL,0);   /* Gaussian distribution  */
  unur_distr_cont_set_domain(distr,-UNUR_INFINITY,0);
  par = unur_pinv_new(distr);          /* choose method PINV     */
  comp[0] = unur_init(par);            /* initialize             */
  unur_distr_free(distr);              /* free distribution obj. */

  distr = unur_distr_exponential(NULL,0); /* Exponential distr.  */
  par = unur_pinv_new(distr);          /* choose method PINV     */
  comp[1] = unur_init(par);            /* initialize             */
  unur_distr_free(distr);              /* free distribution obj. */

  /* Probabilities for components (need not sum to 1)            */
  prob[0] = 0.4;    
  prob[1] = 0.3;

  /* Create mixture */
  par = unur_mixt_new(2,prob,comp);

  /* We want to use inversion for the mixture as well.           */
  /* (Thus the above order of the components is important!)      */
  unur_mixt_set_useinversion(par,TRUE);

  /* Initialize generator object                                 */
  gen = unur_init(par);

  /* we do not need the components any more */
  for (i=0; i<2; i++)
    unur_free(comp[i]);

  /* It is important to check if the creation of the generator   */
  /* object was successful. Otherwise `gen' is the NULL pointer  */ 
  /* and would cause a segmentation fault if used for sampling.  */
  if (gen == NULL) {
     fprintf(stderr, "ERROR: cannot create generator object\n");
     exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  }

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* When you do not need the generator object any more, you     */
  /* can destroy it.                                             */
  unur_free(gen);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);

} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

5.11.1 MIXT – MIXTure of distributions

MIXT allows to sample from a mixture of univariate distributions.

Let f_1,...,f_n be PDFs of various distributions called the components and (p_1,...,p_n) be a probability vector. Then f(x) = p_1 * f_1(x) + ...+ p_n * f_n(x) is the PDF of the so called mixture of these distributions.

Method MIXT takes generator objects for the components and a probability vector and creates a generator object for this mixture.

The sampling part works as follows:

  1. Generate an index J as the realisation of a discrete random variate with the given probability vector. This is done by means of method DGT (see Guide Table method).
  2. Generate a random variate X with PDF f_J.

When the (interior of the) domains of the the components are disjoint then it is possible to sample from the mixture by inversion, provided that the following conditions are met:

  • The generator objects must use an inversion method for each component.
  • The domains of the PDFs f_i must not overlap.
  • The components must be ordered with respect to their domains.

How To Use

Create generator objects for the components of the mixture and store the corresponding pointers in an array. Store all probabilities an a double array of the same size. Create the parameter object for the generator of the mixture distribution by means of unur_mixt_new. The components of the mixture can be any continuous or discrete univariate distributions. This also includes generators for empirical distributions and mixtures of distributions. In particular, mixtures can also be defined recursively.

Remark: The components of the mixture can be continuous or discrete distributions. The resulting mixture, however, is always a continuous distribution and thus unur_sample_cont must be used!

The inversion method can be switched on by means of unur_mixt_set_useinversion call. However, the conditions for this method must then be met. Otherwise, initialization of the mixture object fails.

Function reference

: UNUR_PAR* unur_mixt_new (int n, const double* prob, UNUR_GEN** comp)

Get default parameters for the generator for a mixture of the distributions given in the array comp (components) of length n. The probabilities are given by prob.

The generators in comp must be objects for (continuous or discrete) univariate distributions

: int unur_mixt_set_useinversion (UNUR_PAR* parameters, int useinv)

If useinv is TRUE, then the inversion method is used for sampling from the mixture distribution.

However, the following conditions must be satisfied:

  • The generator objects must use an inversion method for each component.
  • The domains of the components must not overlap.
  • The components must be ordered with respect to their domains.

If one of these conditions is violated, then initialization of the mixture object fails.

Default is FALSE.


6 Using uniform random number generators

UNU.RAN is designed to work with many sources of (pseudo-) random numbers or low discrepancy numbers (so called quasi-random numbers) for almost all tasks in discrete event simulation, (quasi-) Monte Carlo integration or any other stochastic methods. Hence UNU.RAN uses pointers to access uniform (pseudo-) random number generators (URNG).

Each UNU.RAN (non-uniform random variate) generator object has a pointer to a URNG object. Thus each UNU.RAN generator object may have its own (independent) URNG or several generator objects can share the same URNG.

If no URNG is provided for a parameter or generator object a default generator is used which is the same for all generators. This URNG is defined in unuran_config.h at compile time and can be changed at runtime.

UNU.RAN uses a unified interface for all sources of random numbers. Unfortunately, the API for random number generators, like the GSL (GNU Scientific Library), Otmar Lendl’s prng (Pseudo random number generators), or a single function implemented by the user herself, are quite different. Hence an object of type UNUR_URNG is introduced to store the URNG. Thus it is possible to handle different sources of such URNGs with the unified API. It is inspired from similar to Pierre L’Ecuyers RngStreams library:

The routine to create a URNG depends on the chosen random number generator (i.e. library). Nevertheless, there exist wrapper functions to simplify this task.

Currently the following sources of uniform random numbers are directly supported (i.e., there exist wrapper functions). Of course other random number generation libraries can be used.

  1. FVOID

    URNGs of type double uniform(void *state). The argument state can be simply ignored in the implementation of uniform when a global state variable is used. UNU.RAN contains some build-in URNGs of this type in directory src/uniform/.

  2. PRNG

    URNGs from Otmar Lendl’s prng library. It provides a very flexible way to sample form arbitrary URNGs by means of an object oriented programing paradigma. Similarly to the UNU.RAN library independent generator objects can be build and used.

    This library has been developed by the pLab group at the university of Salzburg (Austria, EU) and implemented by Otmar Lendl. It is available from http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/ or from the pLab site at http://random.mat.sbg.ac.at/.

    This interface must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-prng.

  3. RNGSTREAM

    Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RngStream library for multiple independent streams of pseudo-random numbers. A GNU-style package is available from http://statmath.wu.ac.at/software/RngStreams/.

    This interface must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-rngstream.

  4. GSL

    URNG from the GNU Scientific Library (GSL). It is available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/.

    This interface must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-gsl.

How To Use

Each UNU.RAN generator object has a pointer to a uniform (pseudo-) random number generator (URNG). It can be set via the unur_set_urng call. It is also possible to read this pointer via unur_get_urng or change the URNG for an existing generator object by means of unur_chg_urng. It is important to note that these calls only copy the pointer to the URNG object into the generator object.

If no URNG is provided for a parameter or generator object a default URNG is used which is the same for all generators. This URNG is defined in unuran_config.h at compile time. A pointer to this default URNG can be obtained via unur_get_default_urng. Nevertheless, it is also possible to change this default URNG by another one at runtime by means of the unur_set_default_urng call. However, this only takes effect for new parameter objects.

Some generating methods provide the possibility of correlation induction. For this feature a second auxiliary URNG is required. It can be set and changed by unur_set_urng_aux and unur_chg_urng_aux calls, respectively. Since the auxiliary URNG is by default the same as the main URNG, the auxiliary URNG must be set after any unur_set_urng or unur_chg_urng call! Since in special cases mixing of two URNG might cause problems, we supply a default auxiliary generator that can be used by a unur_use_urng_aux_default call (after the main URNG has been set). This default auxiliary generator can be changed with analogous calls as the (main) default uniform generator.

Uniform random number generators form different sources have different programming interfaces. Thus UNU.RAN stores all information about a particular uniform random number generator in a structure of type UNUR_URNG. Before a URNG can be used with UNU.RAN an appropriate object has to be created ba a unur_urng_new call. This call takes two arguments: the pointer to the sampling routine of the generator and a pointer to a possible argument that stores the state of the generator. The function must be of type double (*sampleunif)(void *params), but functions without any argument also work. Additionally one can set pointers to functions for reseting or jumping the streams generated by the URNG by the corresponding set calls.

UNU.RAN provides a unified API to all sources of random numbers. Notice, however, that not all functions work for all random number generators (as the respective library has not implemented the corresponding feature).

There are wrapper functions for some libraries of uniform random number generators to simplify the task of creating a UNU.RAN object for URNGs. These functions must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the corresponding configure flags (see description of the respective interface below).

Function reference

Set and get default uniform RNGs

: UNUR_URNG* unur_get_default_urng (void)

Get the pointer to the default URNG. The default URNG is used by all generators where no URNG was set explicitly by a unur_set_urng call.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_set_default_urng (UNUR_URNG* urng_new)

Change the default URNG that is used for new parameter objects. It returns the pointer to the old default URNG that has been used.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_set_default_urng_aux (UNUR_URNG* urng_new)
: UNUR_URNG* unur_get_default_urng_aux (void)

Analogous calls for default auxiliary generator.

Set, change and get uniform RNGs in generator objects

: int unur_set_urng (UNUR_PAR* parameters, UNUR_URNG* urng)

Use the URNG urng for the new generator. This overrides the default URNG. It also sets the auxiliary URNG to urng.

Important: For multivariate distributions that use marginal distributions this call does not work properly. It is then better first to create the generator object (by a unur_init call) and then change the URNG by means of unur_chg_urng.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_chg_urng (UNUR_GEN* generator, UNUR_URNG* urng)

Change the URNG for the given generator. It returns the pointer to the old URNG that has been used by the generator. It also changes the auxiliary URNG to urng and thus it overrides the last unur_chg_urng_aux call.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_get_urng (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the pointer to the URNG that is used by the generator. This is usefull if two generators should share the same URNG.

: int unur_set_urng_aux (UNUR_PAR* parameters, UNUR_URNG* urng_aux)

Use the auxiliary URNG urng_aux for the new generator. (Default is the default URNG or the URNG from the last unur_set_urng call. Thus if the auxiliary generator should be different to the main URNG, unur_set_urng_aux must be called after unur_set_urng. The auxiliary URNG is used as second stream of uniform random number for correlation induction. It is not possible to set an auxiliary URNG for a method that does not need one. In this case an error code is returned.

: int unur_use_urng_aux_default (UNUR_PAR* parameters)

Use the default auxiliary URNG. (It must be set after unur_get_urng. ) It is not possible to set an auxiliary URNG for a method that does not use one (i.e. the call returns an error code).

: int unur_chgto_urng_aux_default (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Switch to default auxiliary URNG. (It must be set after unur_get_urng. ) It is not possible to set an auxiliary URNG for a method that does not use one (i.e. the call returns an error code).

: UNUR_URNG* unur_chg_urng_aux (UNUR_GEN* generator, UNUR_URNG* urng_aux)

Change the auxiliary URNG for the given generator. It returns the pointer to the old auxiliary URNG that has been used by the generator. It has to be called after each unur_chg_urng when the auxiliary URNG should be different from the main URNG. It is not possible to change the auxiliary URNG for a method that does not use one (i.e. the call NULL).

: UNUR_URNG* unur_get_urng_aux (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Get the pointer to the auxiliary URNG that is used by the generator. This is usefull if two generators should share the same URNG.

Handle uniform RNGs

Notice: Some of the below function calls do not work for every source of random numbers since not every library has implemented these features.

: double unur_urng_sample (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Get a uniform random number from urng. If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is used.

: double unur_sample_urng (UNUR_GEN* gen)

Get a uniform random number from the underlying uniform random number generator of generator gen. If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is used.

: int unur_urng_sample_array (UNUR_URNG* urng, double* X, int dim)

Set array X of length dim with uniform random numbers sampled from generator urng. If urng is the NULL pointer, the default uniform generator is used.

Important: If urng is based on a point set generator (this is the case for generators of low discrepance point sets as used in quasi-Monte Carlo methods) it has a “natural dimension” s. In this case either only the first s entries of X are filled (if s < dim), or the first dim coordinates of the generated point are filled.

The called returns the actual number of entries filled. In case of an error 0 is returned.

: int unur_urng_reset (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Reset urng object. The routine tries two ways to reset the generator (in this order):

  1. It uses the reset function given by an unur_urng_set_reset call.
  2. It uses the seed given by the last unur_urng_seed call (which requires a seeding function given by a unur_urng_set_seed call).

If neither of the two methods work resetting of the generator is not possible and an error code is returned.

If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is reset.

: int unur_urng_sync (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Jump into defined state ("sync") of the generator. This is useful when point generators are used where the coordinates are sampled via unur_urng_sample. Then this call can be used to jump to the first coordinate of the next generated point.

: int unur_urng_seed (UNUR_URNG* urng, unsigned long seed)

Set seed for generator urng. It returns an error code if this is not possible for the given URNG. If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is seeded (if possible).

Notice: Seeding should be done only once for a particular generator (except for resetting it to the initial state). Expertise is required when multiple seeds are used to get independent streams. Thus we recommend appropriate libraries for this task, e.g. Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RngStreams package. For this library only a package seed can be set and thus the unur_urng_seed call will not have any effect to generators of this type. Use unur_urng_reset or unur_urng_rngstream_new instead, depending whether one wants to reset the stream or get a new stream that is independent from the previous ones.

: int unur_urng_anti (UNUR_URNG* urng, int anti)

Switch to antithetic random numbers in urng. It returns an error code if this is not possible for the given URNG.

If the NULL pointer is given, the antithetic flag of the default uniform generator is switched (if possible).

: int unur_urng_nextsub (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Jump to start of the next substream of urng. It returns an error code if this is not possible for the given URNG.

If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is set to the start of the next substream (if possible).

: int unur_urng_resetsub (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Jump to start of the current substream of urng. It returns an error code if this is not possible for the given URNG.

If the NULL pointer is given, the default uniform generator is set to the start of the current substream (if possible).

: int unur_gen_sync (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_gen_seed (UNUR_GEN* generator, unsigned long seed)
: int unur_gen_anti (UNUR_GEN* generator, int anti)
: int unur_gen_reset (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_gen_nextsub (UNUR_GEN* generator)
: int unur_gen_resetsub (UNUR_GEN* generator)

Analogous to unur_urng_sync unur_urng_seed , unur_urng_anti unur_urng_reset , unur_urng_nextsub and unur_urng_resetsub but act on the URNG object used by the generator object.

Warning: These calls should be used with care as it influences all generator objects that share the same URNG object!

API to create a new URNG object

Notice: These functions are provided to built a UNUR_URNG object for a particular external random number generator from scratch. For some libraries that contain random number generators (like the GSL) there are special calls, e.g. unur_urng_gsl_new to get such an object. Then there is no need to change the UNUR_URNG object as it already contains all available features.

If you have a particular library for random number generators you can either write wrapper function like those in src/uniform/urng_gsl.c or write an email to the authors of UNU.RAN to write it for you.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_new (double (* sampleunif)(void* state ), void* state)

Get a new URNG object. sampleunif is a function to the uniform sampling routine, state a pointer to its arguments which usually contains the state variables of the generator.

Functions sampleunif with a different type for p or without an argument at all also work. A typecast might be necessary to avoid compiler warnings or error messages.

For functions sampleunif that does not have any argument should use NULL for state.

Important: sampleunif must not be the NULL pointer.

There are appropriate calls that simplifies the task of creating URNG objects for some libraries with uniform random number generators, see below.

: void unur_urng_free (UNUR_URNG* urng)

Destroy urng object. It returns an error code if this is not possible.

If the NULL is given, this function does nothing.

Warning: This call must be used with care. The urng object must not be used by any existing generator object! It is designed to work in conjunction with the wrapper functions to create URNG objects for generators of a particular library. Thus an object created by an unur_urng_prng_new call can be simply destroyed by an unur_urng_free call.

: int unur_urng_set_sample_array (UNUR_URNG* urng, unsigned int(* samplearray)(void* state, double* X, int dim ))

Set function to fill array X of length dim with random numbers generated by generator urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_sync (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* sync)(void* state ))

Set function for jumping into a defined state (“sync”).

: int unur_urng_set_seed (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* setseed)(void* state, unsigned long seed ))

Set function to seed generator urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_anti (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* setanti)(void* state, int anti ))

Set function to switch the antithetic flag of generator urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_reset (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* reset)(void* state ))

Set function for reseting the uniform random number generator urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_nextsub (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* nextsub)(void* state ))

Set function that allows jumping to start of the next substream of urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_resetsub (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* resetsub)(void* state ))

Set function that allows jumping to start of the current substream of urng (if available).

: int unur_urng_set_delete (UNUR_URNG* urng, void (* fpdelete)(void* state ))

Set function for destroying urng (if available).


6.1 Simple interface for uniform random number generators

Simple interface for URNGs of type double uniform(void *state).

UNU.RAN contains some build-in URNGs of this type:

unur_urng_MRG31k3p

Combined multiple recursive generator by Pierre L’Ecuyer and Renee Touzin.

unur_urng_fish

Linear congruential generator by Fishman and Moore.

unur_urng_mstd

Linear congruential generator "Minimal Standard" by Park and Miller.

Notice, however, that these generators are provided as a fallback for the case that no state-of-the-art uniform random number generators (e.g. see Pierre L’Ecuyer’s Rngstream library) are used.

How To Use

Create an URNG object using unur_urng_fvoid_new. By this call a pointer to the sampling routine and (optional) a pointer to a reset routine are copied into the URNG object. Other functions, like seeding the URNG, switching to antithetic random number, or jumping to next substream, can be added to the URNG object by the respective calls, e.g. by unur_urng_set_seed. The following routines are supported for URNG objects of this type:

Function reference

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_fvoid_new (double (* urand)(void* state ), void (* reset)(void* state ))

Make a URNG object for a generator that consists of a single function call urand.

If there is no reset function use NULL for the second argument.


6.2 Interface to GSL uniform random number generators

Interface to the uniform random number generators from the GNU Scientific Library (GSL). Documentation and source code of this library is available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/.

The interface to the GSL must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-gsl. Notice that the GSL has to be installed before running ./configure.

How To Use

When using this interface unuran_urng_gsl.h must be included in the corresponding C file, i.e., one must add the line

#include <unuran_urng_gsl.h>

Moreover, one must not forget to link the executable against libgsl.

The following routines are supported for URNG objects of type GSL:

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* File: example_gsl.c                                           */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#ifdef UNURAN_SUPPORTS_GSL
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
/* This example makes use of the GSL library for generating      */
/* uniform random numbers.                                       */
/* (see http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/)                        */
/* To compile this example you must have set                     */
/*   ./configure --with-urng-gsl                                 */
/* (Of course the executable has to be linked against the        */
/* GSL library.)                                                 */
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

/* Include UNURAN header files.                                  */
#include <unuran.h>
#include <unuran_urng_gsl.h>

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

int main(void)
{
  int    i;          /* loop variable                            */
  double x;          /* will hold the random number              */

  /* Declare the three UNURAN objects.                           */
  UNUR_DISTR *distr;    /* distribution object                   */
  UNUR_PAR   *par;      /* parameter object                      */
  UNUR_GEN   *gen;      /* generator object                      */

  /* Declare objects for uniform random number generators.       */
  UNUR_URNG  *urng;     /* uniform generator objects             */

  /* GNU Scientific Library only:                                */
  /* Make a object for uniform random number generator.          */
  urng = unur_urng_gsl_new(gsl_rng_mt19937);
  if (urng == NULL) exit (EXIT_FAILURE);

  /* Create a generator object using this URNG */
  distr = unur_distr_normal( NULL, 0 );
  par = unur_tdr_new(distr);
  unur_set_urng( par, urng );
  gen = unur_init(par);
  if (gen == NULL)  exit (EXIT_FAILURE);
  unur_distr_free(distr);

  /* Now you can use the generator object `gen' to sample from   */
  /* the distribution. Eg.:                                      */
  for (i=0; i<10; i++) {
    x = unur_sample_cont(gen);
    printf("%f\n",x);
  }

  /* Destroy objects */
  unur_free(gen);
  unur_urng_free(urng);

  exit (EXIT_SUCCESS);
} /* end of main() */

/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
#else
#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdlib.h>
int main(void) {
  printf("You must enable the GSL to run this example!\n\n");
  exit (77);    /* exit code for automake check routines */
}
#endif
/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */

Function reference

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_gsl_new (const gsl_rng_type* urngtype)

Make object for URNGs from the GSL (GNU Scientific Library). urngtype is the type of the chosen generator as described in the GSL manual (see Section Random Number Generation). This library is available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_gslptr_new (gsl_rng* urng)

Similar to unur_urng_gsl_new but it uses a pointer to a generator object as returned by gsl_rng_alloc(rng_type); see GSL manual for details.

Notice: There is a subtle but important difference between these two calls. When a generator object is created by a unur_urng_gsl_new call, then resetting of the generator works. When a generator object is created by a unur_urng_gslptr_new call, then resetting only works after a unur_urng_seed(urng,myseed) call.


6.3 Interface to GSL generators for quasi-random points

Interface to the generators for quasi-random points (also called low discrepancy point sets) from the GNU Scientific Library (GSL). Documentation and source code of this library is available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/.

The interface to the GSL must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-gsl. Notice that the GSL has to be installed before running ./configure.

How To Use

When using this interface unuran_urng_gsl.h must be included in the corresponding C file, i.e., one must add the line

#include <unuran_urng_gsl.h>

Moreover, one must not forget to link the executable against libgsl.

The following routines are supported for URNG objects of this type:

unur_urng_sync is used to jump to the first coordinate of the next point generated by the generator.

Function reference

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_gslqrng_new (const gsl_qrng_type* qrngtype, unsigned int dim)

Make object for quasi-random point generators for dimension dim from the GSL (GNU Scientific Library). qrngtype is the type of the chosen generator as described in the GSL manual (see section Quasi-Random Sequences). This library is available from http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/.


6.4 Interface to Otmar Lendl’s pseudo-random number generators

URNGs from Otmar Lendl’s prng library. It provides a very flexible way to sample form arbitrary URNGs by means of an object oriented programing paradigma. Similarly to the UNU.RAN library independent generator objects can be build and used.

This library has been developed by the pLab group at the university of Salzburg (Austria, EU) and implemented by Otmar Lendl. It is available from http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/ or from the pLab site at http://random.mat.sbg.ac.at/.

The interface to the PRNG library must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-prng. Notice that the PRNG library has to be installed before running ./configure.

How To Use

When using this interface unuran_urng_prng.h must be included in the corresponding C file, i.e., one must add the line

#include <unuran_urng_prng.h>

Moreover, one must not forget to link the executable against libprng.

The following routines are supported for URNG objects of type PRNG:

Function reference

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_prng_new (const char* prngstr)

Make object for URNGs from Otmar Lendl’s prng package. prngstr is a string that contains the necessary information to create a uniform random number generator. For the format of this string see the prng user manual.

The prng library provides a very flexible way to sample form arbitrary URNGs by means of an object oriented programing paradigma. Similarly to the UNU.RAN library independent generator objects can be build and used. The library has been developed and implemented by Otmar Lendl as member of the pLab group at the university of Salzburg (Austria, EU).

It is available via anonymous ftp from http://statmath.wu.ac.at/prng/ or from the pLab site at http://random.mat.sbg.ac.at/.

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_prngptr_new (struct prng* urng)

Similar to unur_urng_prng_new but it uses a pointer to a generator object as returned by prng_new(prngstr); see prng manual for details.


6.5 Interface to L’Ecuyer’s RNGSTREAM random number generators

URNGs from Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RngStream library for multiple independent streams of pseudo-random numbers. This library provides multiple independent streams of pseudo-random numbers which itselves can be splitted into many substreams. It is available from http://www.iro.umontreal.ca/~lecuyer/myftp/streams00/c/. A GNU-style package is available from http://statmath.wu.ac.at/software/RngStreams/.

The interface to the RngStream library must be compiled into UNU.RAN using the configure flag --with-urng-rngstream. Notice that the RngStream library has to be installed before running ./configure.

How To Use

When using this interface unuran_urng_rngstream.h must be included in the corresponding C file, i.e., one must add the line

#include <unuran_urng_rngstream.h>

Moreover, one must not forget to link the executable against the RngStream library (i.e., when using the GNU-style package in UNIX like environments one has to add -lrngstreams when linking an executable).

Notice that the rngstream library uses a package seed, that means one should seed the uniform random number generator only once in an application using the routine RngStream_SetPackageSeed:

unsigned long seed[] = {111u, 222u, 333u, 444u, 555u, 666u};
RngStream_SetPackageSeed(seed);

The following routines are supported for URNG objects of this type:

Function reference

: UNUR_URNG* unur_urng_rngstream_new (const char* urngstr)

Make object for URNGs from Pierre L’Ecuyer’s RngStream library. urngstr is an arbitrary string to label a stream. It need not be unique.