Assistance Apparatus for Mathematical Optimization Problem Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mathematical optimization techniques are underutilized due to the high barriers of knowledge and understanding required for selecting appropriate methods, problem classes, and optimization algorithms, making them difficult for non-experts to apply effectively.

Innovation Solution

An assistance apparatus and method that receives input data indicative of a problem to be solved as an optimization problem and automatically determines or generates the appropriate problem class, optimization model, and optimization calculation algorithm, facilitating the mathematical optimization process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mathematical optimization is applied to solve complex problems, then problem-solving effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of selecting appropriate methods and algorithms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproblem-solving effectivenessVSAvoidmethod selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a problem classification system as an intermediary layer between the user's problem description and the optimization algorithms. The system automatically classifies problems into predefined categories (e.g., linear programming, integer programming, nonlinear programming) based on problem characteristics, thereby mediating the complex selection process and making it accessible to users without specialized knowledge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically determining appropriate optimization methods and algorithms based on the classified problem type. The classification mechanism serves itself by establishing rule-based mappings between problem categories and suitable algorithms, eliminating the need for users to manually select methods or possess deep optimization expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic problem classification is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization accessibilityVSAvoidclassification processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the problem classification process into distinct, manageable steps: extracting problem characteristics, matching characteristics to predefined categories, and selecting corresponding algorithms. This segmentation allows each step to be processed efficiently using simple rule-based logic rather than complex computational analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining problem categories and their associated characteristics before actual problem solving. The classification rules and algorithm mappings are established in advance, enabling rapid classification during operation without requiring real-time complex decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250021614A1Assistance apparatus, assistance method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 NEC CORP

AI summary

In order to enable facilitation of mathematical optimization, an assistance apparatus (1) includes: a reception section (11) which receives input of input data indicative of a problem to be solved as an optimization problem; and a modeling section (12) which determines or generates, in accordance with the input data, at least one of (i) a problem class used when the problem is handled as a mathematical optimization problem, (ii) an optimization model expressing the problem in the form of a mathematical optimization problem, and (iii) an optimization calculation algorithm for solving an optimization problem.