Patent ID: 6731998
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G06F,G06Q

Abstract:
A method for collaboratively solving an optimization problem using at least first optimization software and second optimization software each having at least partial information concerning the optimization problem, comprising:determining a solution to a first sub-problem of the optimization problem using the first optimization software based on the at least partial information concerning the optimization problem known to the first optimization software; communicating from the first optimization software to the second optimization software the solution to the first sub-problem and information concerning one or more penalties for deviating from the solution to the first sub-problem; and determining a solution to a second sub-problem of the optimization problem using the second optimization software based on the at least partial information concerning the optimization problem known to the second optimization software, the communicated solution to the first sub-problem, and the communicated information concerning one or more penalties for deviating from the solution to the first sub-problem.