Patent ID: 6536935
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G05B,G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for determining an assignment to a variable through iterative processing which converges from ranges of assignments to a single value, the apparatus comprising:a first constraint data structure having a first preferential rule set for determining a preferential assignment range of a first variable; a first computer module for determining a feasible assignment range of said first variable through an iterative adjustment of said feasible assignment range which satisfies said first preferential rule set such that said feasible assignment range converges towards a single assignment value for said first variable; and a protocol providing communication between said first computer module and said first constraint data structure to repeatedly communicate said feasible and preferential assignment ranges and said iterative adjustments thereof between said first constraint data structure and said first computer module until said feasible and preferential assignment ranges converge at said single assignment value for said first variable.