Method and apparatus for generating profile of solutions trading off number of activities utilized and objective value for bilinear integer optimization models

Abstract

A computer system for generating at least one of a solution and a profile of solutions for a problem includes an augmenting unit that repeatedly solves a model to generate a profile of solutions. The profile trades off a reduction of an objective of the problem against a number of distinct activities utilized in a solution.

1 . A computer system for generating at least one of a solution and a profile of solutions for a problem, said computer system comprising:
 an augmenting unit that repeatedly solves a model to generate a profile of solutions,   wherein said profile trades off a reduction of an objective of the problem against a number of distinct activities utilized in a solution.   
     
     
         2 . The computer system according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a partitioning unit that generates said model, said model comprising a first set of data and variables and a second set of data and variables.   
     
     
         3 . The computer system according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 an initializing unit that sets an initial size of said first set of data and variables and an initial size of said second set of data and variables.   
     
     
         4 . The computer system according to  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a testing unit that determines whether moving a point from said second set of data and variables to said first set of data and variables would improve the solution.   
     
     
         5 . A computer system for generating at least one of a solution and a profile of solutions for a problem, said computer system comprising:
 means for generating a model having a first set of variables and data and a second set of variables and data; and   means for repeatedly solving the model to generate a profile of solutions.