Patent US5940816A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5940816A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-objective decision-support methodology
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1997-01-29
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Granted: 1999-08-17
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Expires: 2017-01-29
Abstract
Abstract A method for effecting computer implemented decision support. The method can improve on a candidate solution by allowing problem solving methods to cooperate towards the creation of a more desirable solution. The method can realize an enhanced understanding of tradeoffs inherent in competing objectives, and can incorporate factors or special considerations not easily specified, by enabling the decision maker to actively participate in the creation of a more desirable solution.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Mack Fuhrer
- 👤 Raymond T. Henry
- 👤 Rama Kalyani T. Akkiraju
- 👤 Robin Lougee-Heimer
- 👤 Seshashayee Sankarshana Murthy
- 👤 John Nathan Rachlin
- 👤 Martin C. Sturzenbecker
- 👤 Frederick Yung-Fung Wu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 09:03
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F8/00; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/06; G06N; G06N20/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing ex nihilo a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing ex nihilo a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to transportation planners.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the information comprises at least one of products to transport, carrier rates, and vehicle weights.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to scheduling production of paper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 4, wherein the information comprises at least one of products to manufacture, a description of the manufacturing facilities, and the customer demands.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to production planning.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 6, wherein the information comprises at least one of customer demands, availability of raw materials, and a description of the manufacturing facilities.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 2 comprises choosing a set of solution generators based on exact methods.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 2 comprises choosing a set of solution generators based on heuristics.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
method according to claim 1, wherein the solution generators in step 4 run on multiple CPUs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the filtering in step 5 comprises choosing candidate solutions which are not dominated by any other candidate solutions with respect to evaluation objectives defined by a decision maker.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the evaluation objectives comprise at least one of customer satisfaction, profit to an enterprise, and manufacturing disruptions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein step 7 comprises generating a refined set of candidate solutions by constraining the evaluation objectives.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the filtering in step 5 comprises choosing candidate solutions generated by a decision maker.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 6 comprises ordering candidate solutions on the display.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein step 6 comprises ordering candidate solutions on a display according to an operator's previous selections.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein step 6 comprises ordering candidate solutions on the display according to a weighted sum of the performance of solutions on objectives specified by a user.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein step 7 comprises dynamically and recursively interacting with the CPU, the memory and the display for addressing component aspects of the specified problem.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on linear programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on linear programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on mixed integer programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on mixed integer programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the display and the memory and CPU by editing the at least one selectable candidate solution.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the display and the memory and CPU by editing the at least one selectable candidate solution.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 21, wherein editing further comprises adding a solution created by editing to the at least one candidate solution set.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions and producing additional selectable candidate solutions.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions and producing additional selectable candidate solutions.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 23, wherein said dynamic interaction includes communicating exact modifications to computer programs, said programs causing said modifications.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23, wherein said dynamic interaction includes interacting with computer programs in directing said computer programs to cause modifications.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 23, wherein said dynamic interaction includes communicating a general goal for modifications to computer programs to focus said computer programs' search in an area of interest.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 23, wherein said dynamic interaction includes making preliminary modifications and computer programs making final modifications.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
144 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing ex nihilo a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
144 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing ex nihilo a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to transportation planners.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program device of claim 29, wherein the information comprises at least one of products to transport, carrier rates, and vehicle weights.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to scheduling production of paper.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program device of claim 31, wherein the information comprises at least one of products to manufacture, a description of the manufacturing facilities, and the customer demands.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 1 comprises inputting information relevant to production planning.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer program device of claim 33, wherein the information comprises at least one of customer demands, availability of raw materials, and a description of the manufacturing facilities.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 2 comprises choosing a set of solution generators based on exact methods.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 2 comprises choosing a set of solution generators based on heuristics.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
18 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein the solution generators in step 4 run on multiple CPUs.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
36 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein the filtering in step 5 comprises choosing candidate solutions which are not dominated by any other candidate solutions with respect to evaluation objectives defined by a decision maker.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program device of claim 38, wherein the evaluation objectives comprise at least one customer satisfaction, profit to an enterprise, and manufacturing disruptions.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program device of claim 38, wherein step 7 comprises generating a refined set of candidate solutions by constraining the evaluation objectives.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein the filtering in step 5 comprises choosing candidate solutions generated by a decision maker.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 6 comprising ordering candidate solutions on the display.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program device of claim 42, wherein step 6 comprises ordering candidate solutions on a display according to an operator's previous selections.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
The computer program device of claim 42, wherein step 6 comprises ordering candidate solutions on the display according to a weighted sum of the performance of solutions on objectives specified by a user.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
The computer program device of claim 28, wherein step 7 comprises dynamically and recursively interacting with the CPU, the memory and the display for addressing component aspects of the specified problem.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on linear programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
146 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on linear programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on mixed integer programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
147 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators based on mixed integer programming for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
142 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the display and the memory and CPU by editing the at least one selectable candidate solution.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
142 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the display and the memory and CPU by editing the at least one selectable candidate solution.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The computer program device of claim 48, wherein editing further comprises adding a solution created by editing to the at least one candidate solution set.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
148 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions and producing additional selectable candidate solutions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
148 words
A computer program device readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by a machine to perform method steps for effecting computer implemented decision-support, the method comprising the steps of: 1) inputting to the computer data comprising information relevant to a specified problem; 2) choosing a set of solution generators for the specified problem; 3) instantiating the set of solution generators in memory; 4) running in a CPU the set of solution generators for producing a set of candidate solutions relevant to the specified problem; 5) filtering the set of candidate solutions for producing at least one selectable candidate solution in accordance with an independent metric; 6) outputting on a display the at least one selectable candidate solution; and 7) dynamically interacting with the at least one of selectable candidate solutions for generating a refined set of candidate solutions and producing additional selectable candidate solutions.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer program device of claim 50, wherein said dynamic interaction includes communicating exact modifications to computer programs, said programs causing said modifications.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer program device of claim 50, wherein said dynamic interaction includes interacting with computer programs in directing said computer programs to cause modifications.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program device of claim 50, wherein said dynamic interaction includes communicating a general goal for modifications to computer programs to focus said computer programs' search in an area of interest.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The computer program device of claim 50, wherein said dynamic interaction includes making preliminary modifications and computer programs making final modifications.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-08-16 | 2003-02-15 | 2003-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-08-16 | 2007-02-15 | 2007-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-08-16 | 2011-02-15 | 2011-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |