Patent ID: 6560501
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A method for collaboratively solving an optimization problem using a plurality of optimization engines, each engine having at least partial information about the optimization problem, the partial information relating to one of a plurality of sub-problems of the optimization problem, the method comprising:determining a solution to a first sub-problem using a first optimization engine, the solution to the first sub-problem based on the partial information known to the first optimization engine; communicating the solution to the first sub-problem and one or more penalties relating to deviating from the solution to the first sub-problem from the first optimization engine to a second optimization engine; and determining a solution to a second sub-problem using the second optimization engine, the solution to the second sub-problem being based on the partial information known to the second optimization engine and determined according to the solution to the first sub-problem and penalties received from the first optimization engine.