Improving Constraint Propagation for Interval Constraints

Title: Improving Constraint Propagation for Interval Constraints

Abstract: This research aims to improve the efficiency of constraint propagation, a method used in constraint programming to solve systems of nonlinear inequalities. The study focuses on interval constraints, where each constraint is defined by an expression that can be evaluated using interval arithmetic. The authors present theorems that support a simple modification of propagation that allows complex arithmetic expressions to be handled more efficiently. This modification results in a stronger version of box consistency, which is the method used to compute a cover for the solution set.

Main Research Question: How can constraint propagation be improved to handle complex arithmetic expressions more efficiently in interval constraints?

Methodology: The study uses interval arithmetic, a method that allows mathematical operations to be performed on intervals. The authors present theorems that support a simple modification of propagation, which allows complex arithmetic expressions to be handled more efficiently. This modification results in a stronger version of box consistency, which is the method used to compute a cover for the solution set.

Results: The study shows that the simple modification of propagation allows complex arithmetic expressions to be handled more efficiently. This results in a stronger version of box consistency, which improves the performance of the constraint propagation method.

Implications: The improved constraint propagation method has several implications. First, it allows for more efficient handling of complex arithmetic expressions in interval constraints. Second, it results in a stronger version of box consistency, which improves the performance of the constraint propagation method. Third, the study contributes to the field of constraint programming by providing a more efficient method for solving systems of nonlinear inequalities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study presents a simple modification of propagation that allows complex arithmetic expressions to be handled more efficiently in interval constraints. This modification results in a stronger version of box consistency, which improves the performance of the constraint propagation method. The study contributes to the field of constraint programming by providing a more efficient method for solving systems of nonlinear inequalities.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0309018v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0309018v1