Methods apparatus for allocating resources in the presence of uncertainty
First Claim
1. A system for optimally allocating resources comprising:
- a computer having at least one processor, means for data input and output, and memory means for storing data and executable programs;
said memory means comprising a first memory portion storing a plurality of scenarios;
a second memory portion storing an executable program means for loading said first memory portion;
a third memory portion for storing a plurality of XAlloc objects;
a fourth memory portion storing an executable program means for allocating resources within each said scenario stored in said first memory portion;
a fifth memory portion storing an executable program means for evaluating an allocation contained in an XAlloc object against one or more scenarios of said first memory portion;
a sixth memory portion for storing an executable program means for calling executable program means of said second, fourth, and fifth memory portions and for performing executable program means on said first and third memory portions to optimally allocate said resources.
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Abstract
A method of allocating resources in the presence of uncertainty is presented. The method builds upon deterministic methods and initially creates and optimizes scenarios. The invention employs clustering, line-searching, statistical sampling, and unbiased approximation for optimization. Clustering is used to divide the allocation problem into simpler sub-problems, for which determining optimal allocations is simpler and faster. Optimal allocations for sub-problems are used to define spaces for line-searches; line-searches are used for optimizing allocations over ever larger sub-problems. Sampling is used to develop Guiding Beacon Scenarios that are used for generating and evaluating allocations. Optimization is made considering both constraints, and positive and negative ramifications of constraint violations. Applications for capacity planning, organizational resource allocation, and financial optimization are presented.
64 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for optimally allocating resources comprising:
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a computer having at least one processor, means for data input and output, and memory means for storing data and executable programs;
said memory means comprising a first memory portion storing a plurality of scenarios;
a second memory portion storing an executable program means for loading said first memory portion;
a third memory portion for storing a plurality of XAlloc objects;
a fourth memory portion storing an executable program means for allocating resources within each said scenario stored in said first memory portion;
a fifth memory portion storing an executable program means for evaluating an allocation contained in an XAlloc object against one or more scenarios of said first memory portion;
a sixth memory portion for storing an executable program means for calling executable program means of said second, fourth, and fifth memory portions and for performing executable program means on said first and third memory portions to optimally allocate said resources. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for optimally allocating resources, utilizing a computer having at least one processor, means for data input and output, and memory means for storing data and executable programs;
- said method comprising;
storing a plurality of scenarios in a first portion of said memory means;
storing in a second portion of said memory means an executable program means for loading said first memory portion;
storing XAlloc objects in a third portion of said memory means;
storing in a fourth portion of said memory means an executable program means for allocating resources within each said scenario stored in said first memory portion;
storing in a fifth portion of said memory means an executable program means for evaluating an allocation contained in an XAlloc object against one or more scenarios of said first memory portion;
storing in a sixth portion of said memory means an executable program means for calling executable program means of said second, fourth, and fifth memory portions and for performing executable program means on said first and third memory portions to optimally allocate said resources. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
- said method comprising;
Specification