arXiv subjects

Mark Sh. Levin

Publications and source records attributed to Mark Sh. Levin.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Towards Design of System Hierarchy (research survey)

The paper addresses design/building frameworks for some kinds of tree-like and hierarchical structures of systems. The following approaches are examined: (1) expert-based procedures, (2) hierarchical clustering; (3) spanning problems (e.g., minimum spanning tree, minimum Steiner tree, maximum leaf spanning tree problem; (4) design of organizational 'optimal' hierarchies; (5) design of multi-layer (e.g., three-layer) k-connected network; (6) modification of hierarchies or networks: (i) modification of tree via condensing of neighbor nodes, (ii) hotlink assignment, (iii) transformation of tree into Steiner tree, (iv) restructuring as modification of an initial structural solution into a solution that is the most close to a goal solution while taking into account a cost of the modification. Combinatorial optimization problems are considered as basic ones (e.g., classification, knapsack problem, multiple choice problem, assignment problem). Some numerical examples illustrate the suggested problems and solving frameworks.

math.OC↗

arXiv2012

Composite Strategy for Multicriteria Ranking/Sorting (methodological issues, examples)

The paper addresses the modular design of composite solving strategies for multicriteria ranking (sorting). Here a 'scale of creativity' that is close to creative levels proposed by Altshuller is used as the reference viewpoint: (i) a basic object, (ii) a selected object, (iii) a modified object, and (iv) a designed object (e.g., composition of object components). These levels maybe used in various parts of decision support systems (DSS) (e.g., information, operations, user). The paper focuses on the more creative above-mentioned level (i.e., composition or combinatorial synthesis) for the operational part (i.e., composite solving strategy). This is important for a search/exploration mode of decision making process with usage of various procedures and techniques and analysis/integration of obtained results. The paper describes methodological issues of decision technology and synthesis of composite strategy for multicriteria ranking. The synthesis of composite strategies is based on 'hierarchical morphological multicriteria design' (HMMD) which is based on selection and combination of design alternatives (DAs) (here: local procedures or techniques) while taking into account their quality and quality of their interconnections (IC). A new version of HMMD with interval multiset estimates for DAs is used. The operational environment of DSS COMBI for multicriteria ranking, consisting of a morphology of local procedures or techniques (as design alternatives DAs), is examined as a basic one.

math.OC↗

arXiv2012

Composition of Modular Telemetry System with Interval Multiset Estimates

The paper describes combinatorial synthesis approach with interval multset estimates of system elements for modeling, analysis, design, and improvement of a modular telemetry system. Morphological (modular) system design and improvement are considered as composition of the telemetry system elements (components) configuration. The solving process is based on Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD): (i) multicriteria selection of alternatives for system components, (ii) synthesis of the selected alternatives into a resultant combination (while taking into account quality of the alternatives above and their compatibility). Interval multiset estimates are used for assessment of design alternatives for telemetry system elements. Two additional systems problems are examined: (a) improvement of the obtained solutions, (b) aggregation of the obtained solutions into a resultant system configuration. The improvement and aggregation processes are based on multiple choice problem with interval multiset estimates. Numerical examples for an on-board telemetry subsystem illustrate the design and improvement processes.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2012

Multiset Estimates and Combinatorial Synthesis

The paper addresses an approach to ordinal assessment of alternatives based on assignment of elements into an ordinal scale. Basic versions of the assessment problems are formulated while taking into account the number of levels at a basic ordinal scale [1,2,...,l] and the number of assigned elements (e.g., 1,2,3). The obtained estimates are multisets (or bags) (cardinality of the multiset equals a constant). Scale-posets for the examined assessment problems are presented. 'Interval multiset estimates' are suggested. Further, operations over multiset estimates are examined: (a) integration of multiset estimates, (b) proximity for multiset estimates, (c) comparison of multiset estimates, (d) aggregation of multiset estimates, and (e) alignment of multiset estimates. Combinatorial synthesis based on morphological approach is examined including the modified version of the approach with multiset estimates of design alternatives. Knapsack-like problems with multiset estimates are briefly described as well. The assessment approach, multiset-estimates, and corresponding combinatorial problems are illustrated by numerical examples.

eess.SY↗

arXiv2012

Combinatorial Evolution and Forecasting of Communication Protocol ZigBee

The article addresses combinatorial evolution and forecasting of communication protocol for wireless sensor networks (ZigBee). Morphological tree structure (a version of and-or tree) is used as a hierarchical model for the protocol. Three generations of ZigBee protocol are examined. A set of protocol change operations is generated and described. The change operations are used as items for forecasting based on combinatorial problems (e.g., clustering, knapsack problem, multiple choice knapsack problem). Two kinds of preliminary forecasts for the examined communication protocol are considered: (i) direct expert (expert judgment) based forecast, (ii) computation of the forecast(s) (usage of multicriteria decision making and combinatorial optimization problems). Finally, aggregation of the obtained preliminary forecasts is considered (two aggregation strategies are used).

cs.NI↗

arXiv2012

Design of modular wireless sensor

The paper addresses combinatorial approach to design of modular wireless sensor as composition of the sensor element from its component alternatives and aggregation of the obtained solutions into a resultant aggregated solution. A hierarchical model is used for the wireless sensor element. The solving process consists of three stages: (i) multicriteria ranking of design alternatives for system components/parts, (ii) composing the selected design alternatives into composite solution(s) while taking into account ordinal quality of the design alternatives above and their compatibility (this stage is based on Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design - HMMD), and (iii) aggregation of the obtained composite solutions into a resultant aggregated solution(s). A numerical example describes the problem structuring and solving processes for modular alarm wireless sensor element.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2012

Towards Electronic Shopping of Composite Product

In the paper, frameworks for electronic shopping of composite (modular) products are described: (a) multicriteria selection (product is considered as a whole system, it is a traditional approach), (b) combinatorial synthesis (composition) of the product from its components, (c) aggregation of the product from several selected products/prototypes. The following product model is examined: (i) general tree-like structure, (ii) set of system parts/components (leaf nodes), (iii) design alternatives (DAs) for each component, (iv) ordinal priorities for DAs, and (v) estimates of compatibility between DAs for different components. The combinatorial synthesis is realized as morphological design of a composite (modular) product or an extended composite product (e.g., product and support services as financial instruments). Here the solving process is based on Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD): (i) multicriteria selection of alternatives for system parts, (ii) composing the selected alternatives into a resultant combination (while taking into account ordinal quality of the alternatives above and their compatibility). The aggregation framework is based on consideration of aggregation procedures, for example: (i) addition procedure: design of a products substructure or an extended substructure ('kernel') and addition of elements, and (ii) design procedure: design of the composite solution based on all elements of product superstructure. Applied numerical examples (e.g., composite product, extended composite product, product repair plan, and product trajectory) illustrate the proposed approaches.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2012

Morphological methods for design of modular systems (a survey)

The article addresses morphological approaches to design of modular systems. The following methods are briefly described: (i) basic version of morphological analysis (MA), (ii) modification of MA as method of closeness to ideal point(s), (iii reducing of MA to linear programming, (iv) multiple choice problem, (v) quadratic assignment problem, (vi) Pareto-based MA (i.e., revelation of Pareto-efficient solutions), (vii) Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD) approach, and (viii) Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD) approach based on fuzzy estimates. The above-mentioned methods are illustrated by schemes, models, and illustrative examples. An additional realistic example (design of GSM network) is presented to illustrate main considered methods.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Aggregation of Composite Solutions: strategies, models, examples

The paper addresses aggregation issues for composite (modular) solutions. A systemic view point is suggested for various aggregation problems. Several solution structures are considered: sets, set morphologies, trees, etc. Mainly, the aggregation approach is targeted to set morphologies. The aggregation problems are based on basic structures as substructure, superstructure, median/consensus, and extended median/consensus. In the last case, preliminary structure is built (e.g., substructure, median/consensus) and addition of solution elements is considered while taking into account profit of the additional elements and total resource constraint. Four aggregation strategies are examined: (i) extension strategy (designing a substructure of initial solutions as "system kernel" and extension of the substructure by additional elements); (ii) compression strategy (designing a superstructure of initial solutions and deletion of some its elements); (iii) combined strategy; and (iv) new design strategy to build a new solution over an extended domain of solution elements. Numerical real-world examples (e.g., telemetry system, communication protocol, student plan, security system, Web-based information system, investment, educational courses) illustrate the suggested aggregation approach.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Towards Configuration of applied Web-based information system

In the paper, combinatorial synthesis of structure for applied Web-based systems is described. The problem is considered as a combination of selected design alternatives for system parts/components into a resultant composite decision (i.e., system configuration design). The solving framework is based on Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD) approach: (i) multicriteria selection of alternatives for system parts, (ii) composing the selected alternatives into a resultant combination (while taking into account ordinal quality of the alternatives above and their compatibility). A lattice-based discrete space is used to evaluate (to integrate) quality of the resultant combinations (i.e., composite system decisions or system configurations). In addition, a simplified solving framework based on multicriteria multiple choice problem is considered. A multistage design process to obtain a system trajectory is described as well. The basic applied example is targeted to an applied Web-based system for a communication service provider. Two other applications are briefly described (corporate system and information system for academic application).

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Composition of Management System for Smart Homes

The paper addresses modular hierarchical design (composition) of a management system for smart homes. The management system consists of security subsystem (access control, alarm control), comfort subsystem (temperature, etc.), intelligence subsystem (multimedia, houseware). The design solving process is based on Hierarchical Morphological Multicriteria Design (HMMD) approach: (1) design of a tree-like system model, (2) generation of design alternatives for leaf nodes of the system model, (3) Bottom-Up process: (i) multicriteria selection of design alternatives for system parts/components and (ii) composing the selected alternatives into a resultant combination (while taking into account ordinal quality of the alternatives above and their compatibility). A realistic numerical example illustrates the design process of a management system for smart homes.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Course on System Design (structural approach)

The article describes a course on system design (structural approach) which involves the following: issues of systems engineering; structural models; basic technological problems (structural system modeling, modular design, evaluation/comparison, revelation of bottlenecks, improvement/upgrade, multistage design, modeling of system evolution); solving methods (optimization, combinatorial optimization, multicriteria decision making); design frameworks; and applications. The course contains lectures and a set of special laboratory works. The laboratory works consist in designing and implementing a set of programs to solve multicriteria problems (ranking/selection, multiple choice problem, clustering, assignment). The programs above are used to solve some standard problems (e.g., hierarchical design of a student plan, design of a marketing strategy). Concurrently, each student can examine a unique applied problem from his/her applied domain(s) (e.g., telemetric system, GSM network, integrated security system, testing of microprocessor systems, wireless sensor, corporative communication network, network topology). Mainly, the course is targeted to developing the student skills in modular analysis and design of various multidisciplinary composite systems (e.g., software, electronic devices, information, computers, communications). The course was implemented in Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University).

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Framework for Clique-based Fusion of Graph Streams in Multi-function System Testing

The paper describes a framework for multi-function system testing. Multi-function system testing is considered as fusion (or revelation) of clique-like structures. The following sets are considered: (i) subsystems (system parts or units / components / modules), (ii) system functions and a subset of system components for each system function, and (iii) function clusters (some groups of system functions which are used jointly). Test procedures (as units testing) are used for each subsystem. The procedures lead to an ordinal result (states, colors) for each component, e.g., [1,2,3,4] (where 1 corresponds to 'out of service', 2 corresponds to 'major faults', 3 corresponds to 'minor faults', 4 corresponds to 'trouble free service'). Thus, for each system function a graph over corresponding system components is examined while taking into account ordinal estimates/colors of the components. Further, an integrated graph (i.e., colored graph) for each function cluster is considered (this graph integrates the graphs for corresponding system functions). For the integrated graph (for each function cluster) structure revelation problems are under examination (revelation of some subgraphs which can lead to system faults): (1) revelation of clique and quasi-clique (by vertices at level 1, 2, etc.; by edges/interconnection existence) and (2) dynamical problems (when vertex colors are functions of time) are studied as well: existence of a time interval when clique or quasi-clique can exist. Numerical examples illustrate the approach and problems.

cs.SE↗

arXiv2011

Digraph description of k-interchange technique for optimization over permutations and adaptive algorithm system

The paper describes a general glance to the use of element exchange techniques for optimization over permutations. A multi-level description of problems is proposed which is a fundamental to understand nature and complexity of optimization problems over permutations (e.g., ordering, scheduling, traveling salesman problem). The description is based on permutation neighborhoods of several kinds (e.g., by improvement of an objective function). Our proposed operational digraph and its kinds can be considered as a way to understand convexity and polynomial solvability for combinatorial optimization problems over permutations. Issues of an analysis of problems and a design of hierarchical heuristics are discussed. The discussion leads to a multi-level adaptive algorithm system which analyzes an individual problem and selects/designs a solving strategy (trajectory).

cs.DS↗

arXiv2011

Multicriteria Steiner Tree Problem for Communication Network

This paper addresses combinatorial optimization scheme for solving the multicriteria Steiner tree problem for communication network topology design (e.g., wireless mesh network). The solving scheme is based on several models: multicriteria ranking, clustering, minimum spanning tree, and minimum Steiner tree problem. An illustrative numerical example corresponds to designing a covering long-distance Wi-Fi network (static Ad-Hoc network). The set of criteria (i.e., objective functions) involves the following: total cost, total edge length, overall throughput (capacity), and estimate of QoS. Obtained computing results show the suggested solving scheme provides good network topologies which can be compared with minimum spanning trees.

cs.DS↗

arXiv2011

Restructuring in Combinatorial Optimization

The paper addresses a new class of combinatorial problems which consist in restructuring of solutions (as structures) in combinatorial optimization. Two main features of the restructuring process are examined: (i) a cost of the restructuring, (ii) a closeness to a goal solution. This problem corresponds to redesign (improvement, upgrade) of modular systems or solutions. The restructuring approach is described and illustrated for the following combinatorial optimization problems: knapsack problem, multiple choice problem, assignment problem, spanning tree problems. Examples illustrate the restructuring processes.

cs.DS↗