System and method for managing a chaotic event by optimizing decision subdivisions subject to multidimensional constraints

• US 7,653,609 B2
• Filed: 09/28/2007
• Issued: 01/26/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Khan, Anwer Mujahid, Kraemer, James R., Friedlander, Robert R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vincent; David R
• Assistant Examiner(s): OLUDE AFOLABI, OLATOYOSI
• Application Number:
  US11/863,992
• Publication Number:
  US 20080172352A1
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 706/45
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 7/08 using chaos models or non-linear system models

Abstract

A method for optimally selecting a subset of decisions from a first plurality of decisions related to management of a chaotic event. The first plurality of decisions related to the chaotic event is received. A heuristic algorithm is used to eliminate a first subset of decisions. The first subset of decisions is in the first plurality of decisions. A second plurality of decisions is formed. The second plurality of decisions comprises the first plurality of decisions less the first subset of decisions. A mathematical optimization algorithm is then used to select a second subset of decisions. The second subset of decisions is within the second plurality of decisions. The mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input at least one constraint and chaotic event information. The second subset of decisions is stored.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for optimally selecting a subset of decisions from a first plurality of decisions related to a management of a chaotic event for a plurality of decision makers managing a plurality of effects of the chaotic event, the computer implemented method comprising:

receiving the first plurality of decisions related to the chaotic event, wherein the chaotic event is an interruption in a plurality of routines normally performed by people in everyday activities because of damage inflicted to individuals and infrastructures;

using a heuristic algorithm causing a processor to eliminate a first subset of decisions, wherein the first subset of decisions is in the first plurality of decisions, wherein a second plurality of decisions is formed, and wherein the second plurality of decisions comprises the first plurality of decisions less the first subset of decisions;

using a mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to select a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is within the second plurality of decisions, and wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input at least one constraint and chaotic event information;

storing the second subset of decisions in a storage device;

using the mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to subdivide the second subset of decisions into a plurality of third subsets of decisions; and

assigning each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions to a corresponding decision maker, and displaying each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions on a display of the corresponding decision maker, wherein assigning is based on a plurality of corresponding user profiles of a plurality of decision makers.

2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the at least one constraint is selected from the group consisting of a user profile, a priority, a list of priorities, a stored decision template, a previously determined subset of decisions, a mathematical characterization of a political consideration, available resources, a communication method, a time allowed to perform a task, risk tolerance, data quality, data reliability, a physical measurement related to the chaotic event, a monetary limitation, a classified information policy, a security requirement, and a hazardous material restriction.

3. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the at least one constraint comprises a user profile, and wherein the user profile comprises at least one of a rank of a decision maker, a hierarchy of decision makers, a name of the decision maker, a skill of the decision maker, a subject area of interest of the decision maker, a priority of the decision maker, user input, an education of the user, a limitation of the user, a cultural fact regarding the user, and a political influence of the user.

4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying the second subset of decisions.

5. The computer implemented method of claim 4 wherein displaying is performed on a display window and wherein the method further comprises:

altering the display window based on a user profile.

6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first subset of decisions comprises unsatisfactory decisions as determined by at least one user.

7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving a fact in the form of at least one datum;

including the fact in the at least one constraint to form a modified set of constraints; and

reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third subset of decisions, wherein the third subset of decisions are within the second plurality of decisions, wherein the third subset of decisions is different than the second subset of decisions, and wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as further input the modified subset of constraints; and

storing the third subset of decisions.

8. The computer implemented method of claim 7 wherein the fact is selected from the group consisting of:

a change in the chaotic event information, a removal of a constraint, an addition of a constraint, an addition of a new decision maker, a removal of a decision maker, a change in rank of a decision maker, a decision rendered by a decision maker, user input, and combinations thereof.

9. A computer program product comprising:

a computer usable medium having a computer usable program code for optimally selecting a subset of decisions from a first plurality of decisions related to a management of a chaotic event for a plurality of decision makers managing a plurality of effects of the chaotic event, the computer usable program code causing a computer to perform steps comprising;

receiving the first plurality of decisions related to the chaotic event, wherein the chaotic event is an interruption in a plurality of routines normally performed by people in everyday activities because of damage inflicted to individuals and infrastructures;

using a heuristic algorithm causing a processor to eliminate a first subset of decisions, wherein the first subset of decisions is in the first plurality of decisions, wherein a second plurality of decisions is formed, and wherein the second plurality of decisions comprises the first plurality of decisions less the first subset of decisions;

using a mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to select a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is within the second plurality of decisions, and wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input at least one constraint and chaotic event information;

storing the second subset of decisions in a storage device;

using the mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to subdivide the second subset of decisions into a plurality of third subsets of decisions; and

assigning each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions to a corresponding decision maker, and displaying each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions on a display of the corresponding decision maker, wherein assigning is based on a plurality of corresponding user profiles of a plurality of decision makers.

10. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein:

the at least one constraint is selected from the group consisting of a user profile, a priority, a list of priorities, a stored decision template, a previously determined subset of decisions, a mathematical characterization of a political consideration, available resources, a communication method, a time allowed to perform a task, risk tolerance, data quality, data reliability, a physical measurement related to the chaotic event, a monetary limitation, a classified information policy, a security requirement, and a hazardous material restriction; and

the at least one constraint comprises a user profile, and wherein the user profile comprises at least one of a rank of a decision maker, a hierarchy of decision makers, a name of the decision maker, a skill of the decision maker, a subject area of interest of the decision maker, a priority of the decision maker, user input, an education of the user, a limitation of the user, a cultural fact regarding the user, and a political influence of the user.

11. The computer program product of claim 9 further comprising:

displaying the second subset of decisions.

12. The computer program product of claim 11 wherein displaying is performed on a display window and wherein the method further comprises:

altering the display window based on a user profile.

13. The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the first subset of decisions comprises unsatisfactory decisions as determined by at least one user.

14. The computer program product of claim 9 further comprising:

receiving a fact in the form of at least one datum;

including the fact in the at least one constraint to form a modified set of constraints; and

reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third subset of decisions, wherein the third subset of decisions are within the second plurality of decisions, wherein the third subset of decisions is different than the second subset of decisions, and wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as further input the modified subset of constraints; and

storing the third subset of decisions.

15. The computer program product of claim 14 wherein the fact is selected from the group consisting of:

a change in the chaotic event information, a removal of a constraint, an addition of a constraint, an addition of a new decision maker, a removal of a decision maker, a change in rank of a decision maker, a decision rendered by a decision maker, user input, and combinations thereof.

16. A data processing system comprising:

a bus;

a storage device connected to the bus, wherein the storage device contains a computer usable program product, and wherein the computer usable program product contains a plurality of instructions; and

at least one processor unit coupled to the bus, wherein the plurality of instructions causes the processor unit to perform steps comprising;

receiving the first plurality of decisions related to the chaotic event, wherein the chaotic event is an interruption in a plurality of routines normally performed by people in everyday activities because of damage inflicted to individuals and infrastructures;

using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a first subset of decisions, wherein the first subset of decisions is in the first plurality of decisions, wherein a second plurality of decisions is formed, and wherein the second plurality of decisions comprises the first plurality of decisions less the first subset of decisions;

using a mathematical optimization algorithm to select a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is within the second plurality of decisions, and wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input at least one constraint and chaotic event information;

storing the second subset of decisions in a storage device;

using the mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to subdivide the second subset of decisions into a plurality of third subsets of decisions; and

assigning each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions to a corresponding decision maker, and displaying each of the plurality of third subsets of decisions on a display of the corresponding decision maker, wherein assigning is based on a plurality of corresponding user profiles of a plurality of decision makers.