System and method for optimal and adaptive process unification of decision support functions associated with managing a chaotic event

• US 7,698,246 B2
• Filed: 09/28/2007
• Issued: 04/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Twitter Inc (X Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Kraemer, James R., Friedlander, Robert R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vincent; David R
• Assistant Examiner(s): OLUDE AFOLABI, OLATOYOSI
• Application Number:
  US11/864,002
• Publication Number:
  US 20080177687A1
• Time in Patent Office: 928 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 706/47
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 7/08 using chaos models or non-linear system models

Abstract

A method for displaying information related to a chaotic event. A mathematical optimization algorithm is used to select a first optimal decision set for a user. The mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input a decision template, chaotic event information, at least one constraint, and a user profile. A heuristic algorithm is used to eliminate a first subset of decisions. The first subset of decisions is in the first optimal decision set. A second optimal decision set is formed. The second optimal decision set comprises the first optimal decision set less the first subset of decisions. The mathematical optimization algorithm is used to select a sequence in which decisions in the second optimal decision set are to be considered. The mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the second optimal decision set, the decision template, the chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the user profile. The sequence is stored.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for displaying information related to a chaotic event for a plurality of decision makers managing a plurality of effects of 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, the computer implemented method comprising:

using a mathematical optimization algorithm causing a processor to select a first optimal decision set for a corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input a decision template, a plurality of chaotic event information, at least one constraint, and a corresponding decision maker profile;

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

using the mathematical optimization algorithm causing the processor to select a sequence for the corresponding decision maker in which decisions in the second optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the second optimal decision set, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile;

storing the sequence in a storage device; and

displaying the sequence on a display of the corresponding decision maker.

2. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein displaying the sequence is performed on a display window and wherein the method further comprises:

altering the display window based on the corresponding decision maker profile.

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

adjusting how the sequence is displayed based on a limitation of a particular display used by the corresponding decision maker.

4. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein when using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select the sequence, the mathematical optimization engine further takes as input the first subset of decisions.

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

responsive to at least one of a received decision and a change in at least one of the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile, reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third optimal decision set for the corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm receives as further input the at least one of the decision and the change;

using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is in the third optimal decision set, wherein a fourth optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the fourth optimal decision set comprises the third optimal decision set less the second subset of decisions;

using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a second sequence in which decisions in the fourth optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the fourth optimal decision set, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile; and

storing the second sequence in a storage device.

6. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the corresponding decision maker profile comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of:

a skill of the corresponding decision maker, a corresponding decision maker input, an education of the corresponding decision maker, a limitation of the corresponding decision maker, a cultural fact regarding the corresponding decision maker, a political influence of the corresponding decision maker, a rank of a corresponding decision maker, a name of the corresponding decision maker, a subject area of interest of the corresponding decision maker, a priority of the corresponding decision maker, and a hierarchy of the plurality of decision makers, and wherein the at least one element influences how the mathematical optimization algorithm selects the first optimal decision set and thereafter the second optimal decision set.

7. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the at least one constraint is selected from the group consisting of a corresponding decision maker profile, a priority, a list of priorities, a stored decision template, a previously determined subset of decisions, a mathematical characterization of a political consideration, a set of available resources, a communication method, a time allowed to perform a task, a risk tolerance, a data quality, a 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.

8. The computer implemented method of claim 1 wherein the first subset of decisions comprises unsatisfactory decisions as determined by the corresponding decision maker.

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

using the mathematical optimization algorithm to further subdivide the second optimal decision set into a plurality of subsets of decisions;

assigning corresponding ones of the plurality of subsets of decisions to corresponding decision makers of a plurality of decision makers, wherein assigning is based on a corresponding decision maker profile of the plurality of decision makers; and

displaying the corresponding ones of the plurality of subsets of decisions on corresponding displays of the corresponding decision makers.

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

responsive to receipt of a fact, reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third optimal decision set for the corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm receives as further input the fact;

using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is in the third optimal decision set, wherein a fourth optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the fourth optimal decision set comprises the third optimal decision set less the second subset of decisions;

using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a second sequence in which decisions in the fourth optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the fourth optimal decision set, the fact, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile; and

storing the second sequence in a storage device.

11. The computer implemented method of claim 9 wherein the fact is selected from the group consisting of:

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

12. A computer program product comprising:

a computer usable medium having computer usable program code for displaying information related to a chaotic event for a plurality of decision makers managing a plurality of effects of 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, the computer program product including;

computer usable program code for using a mathematical optimization algorithm to select a first optimal decision set for a corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input a decision template, a plurality of chaotic event information, at least one constraint, and a corresponding decision maker profile;

computer usable program code for using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a first subset of decisions, wherein the first subset of decisions is in the first optimal decision set, wherein a second optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the second optimal decision set comprises the first optimal decision set less the first subset of decisions;

computer usable program code for using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a sequence for the corresponding decision maker in which decisions in the second optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the second optimal decision set, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile;

computer usable program code for storing the sequence; and

computer usable program code for displaying the sequence on a display of the corresponding decision maker.

13. The computer program product of claim 12 further comprising:

computer usable program code for displaying the sequence, wherein displaying is performed on a display window;

computer usable program code for altering the display window based on the corresponding decision maker profile; and

computer usable program code for adjusting how the sequence is displayed based on a limitation of a particular display used by the corresponding decision maker.

14. The computer program product of claim 12 further comprising:

computer usable program code for, responsive to at least one of a received decision and a change in at least one of the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile, reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third optimal decision set for the corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm receives as further input the at least one of the decision and the change;

computer usable program code for using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is in the third optimal decision set, wherein a fourth optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the fourth optimal decision set comprises the third optimal decision set less the second subset of decisions;

computer usable program code for using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a second sequence in which decisions in the fourth optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the fourth optimal decision set, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile; and

computer usable program code for storing the second sequence.

15. The computer program product of claim 12 wherein:

the corresponding decision maker profile comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of;

a skill of the corresponding decision maker, a corresponding decision maker input, an education of the corresponding decision maker, a limitation of the corresponding decision maker, a cultural fact regarding the corresponding decision maker, a political influence of the corresponding decision maker, a rank of a corresponding decision maker, a name of the corresponding decision maker, a subject area of interest of the corresponding decision maker, a priority of the corresponding decision maker, and a hierarchy of the plurality of decision makers, and wherein the at least one element influences how the mathematical optimization algorithm selects the first optimal decision set and thereafter the second optimal decision set; and

the at least one constraint is selected from the group consisting of a corresponding decision maker profile, a priority, a list of priorities, a stored decision template, a previously determined subset of decisions, a mathematical characterization of a political consideration, a set of available resources, a communication method, a time allowed to perform a task, a risk tolerance, a data quality, a 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.

16. The computer program product of claim 12 further comprising:

computer usable program code for using the mathematical optimization algorithm to further subdivide the second optimal decision set into a plurality of subsets of decisions;

computer usable program code for assigning corresponding ones of the plurality of subsets of decisions to corresponding decision makers of a plurality of decision makers, wherein assigning is based on a corresponding decision maker profile of the plurality of decision makers; and

computer usable program code for displaying the corresponding ones of the plurality of subsets of decisions on corresponding displays of the corresponding decision makers.

17. The computer program product of claim 12 further comprising:

computer usable program code for, responsive to receipt of a fact, reiterating the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a third optimal decision set for the corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm receives as further input the fact;

computer usable program code for using a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a second subset of decisions, wherein the second subset of decisions is in the third optimal decision set, wherein a fourth optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the fourth optimal decision set comprises the third optimal decision set less the second subset of decisions;

computer usable program code for using the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a second sequence in which decisions in the fourth optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the fourth optimal decision set, the fact, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile; and

computer usable program code for storing the second sequence.

18. The computer program product of claim 17 wherein the fact is selected from the group consisting of:

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

19. A data processing system comprising:

a bus;

at least one processor coupled to the bus;

a computer usable medium coupled to the bus, wherein the computer usable medium contains a set of instructions for displaying information related to a chaotic event for a plurality of decision makers managing a plurality of effects of 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, wherein the at least one processor is adapted to carry out the set of instructions to;

use a mathematical optimization algorithm to select a first optimal decision set for a corresponding decision maker, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input a decision template, a plurality of chaotic event information, at least one constraint, and a corresponding decision maker profile;

use a heuristic algorithm to eliminate a first subset of decisions, wherein the first subset of decisions is in the first optimal decision set, wherein a second optimal decision set is formed, and wherein the second optimal decision set comprises the first optimal decision set less the first subset of decisions;

use the mathematical optimization algorithm to select a sequence for the corresponding decision maker in which decisions in the second optimal decision set are to be considered, wherein the mathematical optimization algorithm takes as input the second optimal decision set, the decision template, the plurality of chaotic event information, the at least one constraint, and the corresponding decision maker profile;

store the sequence; and

display the sequence on a display of the corresponding decision maker.