Modelling complex assemblies as a queueing network for lead time control

In this paper we develop an open queueing network for optimal design of multi-stage assemblies, in which each service station represents a manufacturing or assembly operation. The arrival processes of the individual parts of the product are independent Poisson processes with equal rates. In each service station, there is a server with exponential distribution of processing time, in which the service rate is controllable. The transport times between the service stations are independent random variables with exponential distributions. By applying the longest path analysis in queueing networks, we obtain the distribution function of time spend by a product in the system or the manufacturing lead time. Then, we develop a multi-objective optimal control problem, in which the average lead time, the variance of the lead time and the total operating costs of the system per period are minimized. Finally, we use the goal attainment method to obtain the optimal service rates or the control vector of the problem.     

Multi-objective optimal design of feedback controls for dynamical systems with hybrid simple cell mapping algorithm

This paper presents a study of multi-objective optimal design of full state feedback controls. The goal of the design is to minimize several conflicting performance objective functions at the same time. The simple cell mapping method with a hybrid algorithm is used to find the multi-objective optimal design solutions. The multi-objective optimal design comes in a set of gains representing various compromises of the control system. Examples of regulation and tracking controls are presented to validate the control design.     

QoS and energy consumption aware service composition and optimal-selection based on Pareto group leader algorithm in cloud manufacturing system

Service composition and optimal selection (SCOS) is one of the key issues for implementing a cloud manufacturing system. Exiting works on SCOS are primarily based on quality of service (QoS) to provide high-quality service for user. Few works have been delivered on providing both high-quality and low-energy consumption service. Therefore, this article studies the problem of SCOS based on QoS and energy consumption (QoS-EnCon). First, the model of multi-objective service composition was established; the evaluation of QoS and energy consumption (EnCon) were investigated, as well as a dimensionless QoS objective function. In order to solve the multi-objective SCOS problem effectively, then a novel globe optimization algorithm, named group leader algorithm (GLA), was introduced. In GLA, the influence of the leaders in social groups is used as an inspiration for the evolutionary technology which is design into group architecture. Then, the mapping from the solution (i.e., a composed service execute path) of SCOS problem to a GLA solution is investigated, and a new multi-objective optimization algorithm (i.e., GLA-Pareto) based on the combination of the idea of Pareto solution and GLA is proposed for addressing the SCOS problem. The key operators for implementing the Pareto-GA are designed. The results of the case study illustrated that compared with enumeration method, genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization, the proposed GLA-Pareto has better performance for addressing the SCOS problem in cloud manufacturing system.     

Time-dependent discrete road network design with both tactical and strategic decisions

This paper aims to model and investigate the discrete urban road network design problem, using a multi-objective time-dependent decision-making approach. Given a base network made up with two-way links, candidate link expansion projects, and candidate link construction projects, the problem determines the optimal combination of one-way and two-way links, the optimal selection of capacity expansion projects, and the optimal lane allocations on two-way links over a dual time scale. The problem considers both the total travel time and the total CO emissions as the two objective function measures. The problem is modelled using a time-dependent approach that considers a planning horizon of multiple years and both morning and evening peaks. Under this approach, the model allows determining the sequence of link construction, the expansion projects over a predetermined planning horizon, the configuration of street orientations, and the lane allocations for morning and evening peaks in each year of the planning horizon. This model is formulated as a mixed-integer programming problem with mathematical equilibrium constraints. In this regard, two multi-objective metaheuristics, including a modified non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and a multi-objective B-cell algorithm, are proposed to solve the above-mentioned problem. Computational results for various test networks are also presented in this paper.     

双机成比例无等待流水线重调度干扰管理研究

针对由异速机构成的双机成比例无等待流水线的加工特点,研究了机器扰动工况下的生产重调度问题,提出了兼顾初始调度目标(最小化制造期)和扰动修复目标(最小化工件滞后时间和)的干扰管理方法。在最短加工时间优先(SPT)排序规则的最优解特性分析基础上,证明了右移初始加工时间表是事后干扰管理的最优调度方案,建立了基于SPT规则的事前干扰管理模型,设计了基于理想点趋近的多目标处理策略,提出了离散量子微粒群优化与局部搜索机制相结合的启发式模型求解算法。算例实验结果表明,本文提出的干扰管理模型和算法是有效的。     

Solving a new stochastic multi-mode p-hub covering location problem considering risk by a novel multi-objective algorithm

In this paper, we develop a novel stochastic multi-objective multi-mode transportation model for hub covering location problem under uncertainty. The transportation time between each pair of nodes is an uncertain parameter and also is influenced by a risk factor in the network. We extend the traditional comprehensive hub location problem by considering two new objective functions. So, our multi-objective model includes (i) minimization of total current investment costs and (ii) minimization of maximum transportation time between each origin–destination pair in the network. Besides, a novel multi-objective imperialist competitive algorithm (MOICA) is proposed to obtain the Pareto-optimal solutions of the problem. The performance of the proposed solution algorithm is compared with two well-known meta-heuristics, namely, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and Pareto archive evolution strategy (PAES). Computational results show that MOICA outperforms the other meta-heuristics.     

ParEGO extensions for multi-objective optimization of expensive evaluation functions

This paper deals with multi-objective optimization in the case of expensive objective functions. Such a problem arises frequently in engineering applications where the main purpose is to find a set of optimal solutions in a limited global processing time. Several algorithms use linearly combined criteria to use directly mono-objective algorithms. Nevertheless, other algorithms, such as multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) and model-based algorithms, propose a strategy based on Pareto dominance to optimize efficiently all criteria. A widely used model-based algorithm for multi-objective optimization is Pareto efficient global optimization (ParEGO). It combines linearly the objective functions with several random weights and maximizes the expected improvement (EI) criterion. However, this algorithm tends to favor parameter values suitable for the reduction of the surrogate model error, rather than finding non-dominated solutions. The contribution of this article is to propose an extension of the ParEGO algorithm for finding the Pareto Front by introducing a double Kriging strategy. Such an innovation allows to calculate a modified EI criterion that jointly accounts for the objective function approximation error and the probability to find Pareto Set solutions. The main feature of the resulting algorithm is to enhance the convergence speed and thus to reduce the total number of function evaluations. This new algorithm is compared against ParEGO and several MOEA algorithms on a standard benchmark problems. Finally, an automotive engineering problem allowing to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach is given as an example of a real application: the parameter setting of an indirect tire pressure monitoring system.     

基于遗传算法和满意度函数的武器系统维修性分配规划问题研究

武器系统维修性分配是一个复杂的多目标规划问题.常规求解方法得到的结果难以满足其约束条件,并且难以体现不同目标间重要性的差别.据此,通过引入遗传算法(GA)和满意度函数解决了上述问题.首先利用GA求解单目标的最优解,建立各目标的满意度函数并综合为一个总满意度函数,最后利用GA求总满意度的最大值,即可获得模型的满意解.仿真算例表明,GA算法可适用于解决武器系统维修性分配问题,同时多目标规划中采用满意度函数法比线性加权法更可行.     

A Multi-Objective Production Inventory Model with Backorder for Fuzzy Random Demand Under Flexibility and Reliability

In this paper, an Economic Production Quantity (EPQ) model is developed with flexibility and reliability consideration of production process in an imprecise and uncertain mixed environment. The model has incorporated fuzzy random demand, an imprecise production preparation time and shortage. Here, the setup cost and the reliability of the production process along with the backorder replenishment time and production run period are the decision variables. Due to fuzzy-randomness of the demand, expected average demand is a fuzzy quantity and also imprecise preparation time is represented by fuzzy number. Therefore, both are first transformed to a corresponding interval number and then using the interval arithmetic, the single objective function for expected profit over the time cycle is changed to respective multi-objective functions. Due to highly nonlinearity of the expected profit functions it is optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). The associated profit maximization problem is illustrated by numerical examples and also its sensitivity analysis is carried out.     

Multi-objective time–cost trade-off in dynamic PERT networks using an interactive approach

We develop a multi-objective model for the time–cost trade-off problem in a dynamic PERT network using an interactive approach. The activity durations are exponentially distributed random variables and the new projects are generated according to a renewal process and share the same facilities. Thus, these projects cannot be analyzed independently. This dynamic PERT network is represented as a network of queues, where the service times represent the durations of the corresponding activities and the arrival stream to each node follows a renewal process. At the first stage, we transform the dynamic PERT network into a proper stochastic network and then compute the project completion time distribution by constructing a continuous-time Markov chain. At the second stage, the time–cost trade-off problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimal control problem that involves four conflicting objective functions. Then, the STEM method is used to solve a discrete-time approximation of the original problem. Finally, the proposed methodology is extended to the generalized Erlang activity durations.     

Pruned Pareto-optimal sets for the system redundancy allocation problem based on multiple prioritized objectives

In this paper, a new methodology is presented to solve different versions of multi-objective system redundancy allocation problems with prioritized objectives. Multi-objective problems are often solved by modifying them into equivalent single objective problems using pre-defined weights or utility functions. Then, a multi-objective problem is solved similar to a single objective problem returning a single solution. These methods can be problematic because assigning appropriate numerical values (i.e., weights) to an objective function can be challenging for many practitioners. On the other hand, methods such as genetic algorithms and tabu search often yield numerous non-dominated Pareto optimal solutions, which makes the selection of one single best solution very difficult. In this research, a tabu search meta-heuristic approach is used to initially find the entire Pareto-optimal front, and then, Monte-Carlo simulation provides a decision maker with a pruned and prioritized set of Pareto-optimal solutions based on user-defined objective function preferences. The purpose of this study is to create a bridge between Pareto optimality and single solution approaches.     

An Online Actor–Critic Algorithm with Function Approximation for Constrained Markov Decision Processes

We develop an online actor–critic reinforcement learning algorithm with function approximation for a problem of control under inequality constraints. We consider the long-run average cost Markov decision process (MDP) framework in which both the objective and the constraint functions are suitable policy-dependent long-run averages of certain sample path functions. The Lagrange multiplier method is used to handle the inequality constraints. We prove the asymptotic almost sure convergence of our algorithm to a locally optimal solution. We also provide the results of numerical experiments on a problem of routing in a multi-stage queueing network with constraints on long-run average queue lengths. We observe that our algorithm exhibits good performance on this setting and converges to a feasible point.     

Time-cost trade-off via optimal control theory in Markov PERT networks

We develop a new analytical model for the time-cost trade-off problem via optimal control theory in Markov PERT networks. It is assumed that the activity durations are independent random variables with generalized Erlang distributions, in which the mean duration of each activity is a non-increasing function of the amount of resource allocated to it. Then, we construct a multi-objective optimal control problem, in which the first objective is the minimization of the total direct costs of the project, in which the direct cost of each activity is a non-decreasing function of the resources allocated to it, the second objective is the minimization of the mean of project completion time and the third objective is the minimization of the variance of project completion time. Finally, two multi-objective decision techniques, viz, goal attainment and goal programming are applied to solve this multi-objective optimal control problem and obtain the optimal resources allocated to the activities or the control vector of the problem     

A continuation approach to mode-finding of multivariate Gaussian mixtures and kernel density estimates

This paper presents a novel method of multi-objective optimization by learning automata (MOLA) to solve complex multi-objective optimization problems. MOLA consists of multiple automata which perform sequential search in the solution domain. Each automaton undertakes dimensional search in the selected dimension of the solution domain, and each dimension is divided into a certain number of cells. Each automaton performs a continuous search action, instead of discrete actions, within cells. The merits of MOLA have been demonstrated, in comparison with a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D) and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), on eleven multi-objective benchmark functions and an optimal problem in the midwestern American electric power system which is integrated with wind power, respectively. The simulation results have shown that MOLA can obtain more accurate and evenly distributed Pareto fronts, in comparison with MOEA/D and NSGA-II.     

Numerical Approach of Multi-Objective Optimal Control Problem in Imprecise Environment

In this paper, realistic production-inventory models without shortages for deteriorating items with imprecise holding and production costs for optimal production have been formulated. Here, the rate of production is assumed to be a function of time and considered as a control variable. Also the demand is time dependent and known. The imprecise holding and production costs are assumed to be represented by fuzzy numbers which are transformed to corresponding interval numbers. Following interval mathematics, the objective function is changed to respective multi-objective functions and thus the single-objective problem is reduced to a multi-objective decision making(MODM) problem. The MODM problem is then again transformed to a single objective function with the help of weighted sum method and then solved using global criteria method, calculus method, the Kuhn–Tucker conditions and generalized reduced gradient(GRG) technique. The models have been illustrated by numerical data. The optimum results for different objectives are obtained for different types of production function. Numerical values of demand, production function and stock level are presented in both tabular and graphical forms     

具有工作站数量约束的多人工作站混合装配线平衡问题研究

针对装配线设计或改造过程中存在的因场地或成本原因导致的工作站数量不易变更的问题,研究了节拍已知情况下,具有工作站数量约束的多人工作站混合装配线平衡问题,建立以装配线总人数最小、工人负荷量标准差最小、各产品在各工作站装配时间与节拍之间的标准差最小为目标的数学模型,设计了一种结合差分进化的多目标混合遗传算法对该问题求解。通过案例计算以及与其他算法的对比分析表明,本文算法在收敛性和综合性能方面优于NSGAII和DEMO,在装配线人数和工人负荷标准差方面优于Roshani和Nezami提出的算法。     

Evolutionary bi-objective optimisation in the elevator car routing problem

The paper introduces a genetic algorithms based elevator group control system utilising new approaches to multi-objective optimisation in a dynamically changing process control environment. The problem of controlling a group of elevators as well as the basic principles of the existing single-objective genetic elevator group control method are described. The foundations of the developed multi-objective approach, Evolutionary Standardised-Objective Weighted Aggregation Method, with a PI-controller operating as an interactive Decision Maker, are introduced. Their operation as a part of bi-objective genetic elevator group control is presented together with the performance results obtained from simulations concerning a high-rise office building. The results show that with this approach it is possible to regulate the service level of an elevator system, in terms of average passenger waiting time, so as to bring it to a desired level and to produce that service with minimum energy consumption. This has not been seen before in the elevator industry.     

Effects of diversity control in single-objective and multi-objective genetic algorithms

This paper covers an investigation on the effects of diversity control in the search performances of single-objective and multi-objective genetic algorithms. The diversity control is achieved by means of eliminating duplicated individuals in the population and dictating the survival of non-elite individuals via either a deterministic or a stochastic selection scheme. In the case of single-objective genetic algorithm, onemax and royal road R ₁ functions are used during benchmarking. In contrast, various multi-objective benchmark problems with specific characteristics are utilised in the case of multi-objective genetic algorithm. The results indicate that the use of diversity control with a correct parameter setting helps to prevent premature convergence in single-objective optimisation. Furthermore, the use of diversity control also promotes the emergence of multi-objective solutions that are close to the true Pareto optimal solutions while maintaining a uniform solution distribution along the Pareto front.     

A probability maximization model based on rough approximation and its application to the inventory problem

In the present paper, we concentrate on dealing with a class of multi-objective programming problems with random coefficients and present its application to the multi-item inventory problem. The P-model is proposed to obtain the maximum probability of the objective functions and rough approximation is applied to deal with the feasible set with random parameters. The fuzzy programming technique and genetic algorithm are then applied to solve the crisp programming problem. Finally, the application to Auchan’s inventory system is given in order to show the efficiency of the proposed models and algorithms.