Patent attributes
In a planning model, a decision variable optimization process (200) generates a planning function (122) describing the planning model, the planning function (122) depending upon a set of decision variables (125). The planning function (122) is separated into independent planning functions, SPi, each of which depend upon different decision variables (125). Each of the independent planning functions, SPi, is independently optimized to obtain decisions for the different decision variables (125), and an outcome is presented that indicates the decisions. The planning function (122) further includes an embedded constraint function that introduces an embedded constraint to weaken the coupling between decision variables (125) in the planning model, thereby reducing an N-dimensional optimization problem into a lower order optimization problem.
