patternsearch error: undefined function

I am attempting to run a patternsearch optimization for the first time. When I run the default patternsearch example (using https://www.mathworks.com/help/gads/patternsearch.html), I get the following error:

>> UnconstrainedPatternSearchMinimizationExample
Undefined function 'patternsearch' for input arguments of type
'function_handle'.

Error in UnconstrainedPatternSearchMinimizationExample (line 17)
x = patternsearch(fun,x0)

It appears that I have the global optimization toolbox installed, and furthermore that patternsearch is recognized as a function just like any of the other optimizers:

>> ver
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATLAB Version: 9.1.0.441655 (R2016b)
MATLAB License Number: STUDENT
Operating System: Mac OS X  Version: 10.12.3 Build: 16D32 
Java Version: Java 1.7.0_75-b13 with Oracle Corporation Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM mixed mode
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATLAB                                                Version 9.1         (R2016b)
Simulink                                              Version 8.8         (R2016b)
Control System Toolbox                                Version 10.1        (R2016b)
Curve Fitting Toolbox                                 Version 3.5.4       (R2016b)
DSP System Toolbox                                    Version 9.3         (R2016b)
Database Toolbox                                      Version 7.0         (R2016b)
Global Optimization Toolbox                           Version 3.4.1       (R2016b)
Image Processing Toolbox                              Version 9.5         (R2016b)
Instrument Control Toolbox                            Version 3.10        (R2016b)
Neural Network Toolbox                                Version 9.1         (R2016b)
Optimization Toolbox                                  Version 7.5         (R2016b)
Parallel Computing Toolbox                            Version 6.9         (R2016b)
Signal Processing Toolbox                             Version 7.3         (R2016b)
Simulink Control Design                               Version 4.4         (R2016b)
Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox               Version 11.0        (R2016b)
Symbolic Math Toolbox                                 Version 7.1         (R2016b)
K>> 

K>> exist('lsqnonlin')

ans =

       2

K>> exist('patternsearch')

ans =

       2

Any ideas about what the problem here might be? I'm running R2016b on a Mac Air.

Thanks,

Nathanael Kazmierczak

[Paul Kolodziej]

Nathanael, did you ever resolve your issue? I'm having the same problem and I contacted technical support, but I was wondering if you could help me out.

[Walter Roberson]

What shows up for

which -all patternsearch

?

The problems described by the original author would be consistent with having installed the Global Optimization Toolbox, but with there being no license found for it.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

You may have path problems.

Run these from your Command Window (or a script):

restoredefaultpath 
rehash toolboxcache

If those don’t work, Contact Support (link). You may have to reinstall everything.

[Nathanael Kazmierczak]

Thanks for the suggestion. I executed those commands, but am still having the same problem. I've contacted Technical Support.

[Star Strider]

My pleasure.

You have my sympathies.