On Approximating Multi-Criteria TSP

We present approximation algorithms for almost all variants of the multi-criteria traveling salesman problem (TSP). First, we devise randomized approximation algorithms for multi-criteria maximum traveling salesman problems (Max-TSP). For multi-criteria Max-STSP, where the edge weights have to be symmetric, we devise an algorithm with an approximation ratio of 2/3 - eps. For multi-criteria Max-ATSP, where the edge weights may be asymmetric, we present an algorithm with a ratio of 1/2 - eps. Our algorithms work for any fixed number k of objectives. Furthermore, we present a deterministic algorithm for bi-criteria Max-STSP that achieves an approximation ratio of 7/27. Finally, we present a randomized approximation algorithm for the asymmetric multi-criteria minimum TSP with triangle inequality Min-ATSP. This algorithm achieves a ratio of log n + eps.Comment: Preliminary version at STACS 2009. This paper is a revised full version, where some proofs are simplifie

Approximation Algorithms for Multi-Criteria Traveling Salesman Problems

In multi-criteria optimization problems, several objective functions have to be optimized. Since the different objective functions are usually in conflict with each other, one cannot consider only one particular solution as the optimal solution. Instead, the aim is to compute a so-called Pareto curve of solutions. Since Pareto curves cannot be computed efficiently in general, we have to be content with approximations to them. We design a deterministic polynomial-time algorithm for multi-criteria g-metric STSP that computes (min{1 +g, 2g^2/(2g^2 -2g +1)} + eps)-approximate Pareto curves for all 1/2<=g<=1. In particular, we obtain a (2+eps)-approximation for multi-criteria metric STSP. We also present two randomized approximation algorithms for multi-criteria g-metric STSP that achieve approximation ratios of (2g^3 +2g^2)/(3g^2 -2g +1) + eps and (1 +g)/(1 +3g -4g^2) + eps, respectively. Moreover, we present randomized approximation algorithms for multi-criteria g-metric ATSP (ratio 1/2 + g^3/(1 -3g^2) + eps) for g < 1/sqrt(3)), STSP with weights 1 and 2 (ratio 4/3) and ATSP with weights 1 and 2 (ratio 3/2). To do this, we design randomized approximation schemes for multi-criteria cycle cover and graph factor problems.Comment: To appear in Algorithmica. A preliminary version has been presented at the 4th Workshop on Approximation and Online Algorithms (WAOA 2006

Deterministic algorithms for multi-criteria TSP

We present deterministic approximation algorithms for the multi-criteria traveling salesman problem (TSP). Our algorithms are faster and simpler than the existing randomized algorithms.\ud First, we devise algorithms for the symmetric and asymmetric multi-criteria Max-TSP that achieve ratios of 1/2k − ε and 1/(4k − 2) − ε, respectively, where k is the number of objective functions. For two objective functions, we obtain ratios of 3/8 − ε and 1/4 − ε for the symmetric and asymmetric TSP, respectively. Our algorithms are self-contained and do not use existing approximation schemes as black boxes.\ud Second, we adapt the generic cycle cover algorithm for Min-TSP. It achieves ratios of 3/2 + ε, $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{\gamma^3}{1-3\gamma^2} +\varepsilon$, and $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{\gamma^2}{1-\gamma} +\varepsilon$ for multi-criteria Min-ATSP with distances 1 and 2, Min-ATSP with $\gamma$-triangle inequality and Min-STSP with $\gamma$-triangle inequality, respectively

Multi-criteria TSP:Min and max combined

We present randomized approximation algorithms for multi-criteria traveling salesman problems (TSP), where some objective functions should be minimized while others should be maximized. For the symmetric multi-criteria TSP (STSP), we present an algorithm that computes (2/3,$3+\varepsilon$)-approximate Pareto curves. Here, the first parameter is the approximation ratio for the objectives that should be maximized, and the second parameter is the ratio for the objectives that should be minimized. For the asymmetric multi-criteria TSP (ATSP), we obtain an approximation performance of (1/2, $\log_2 n + \varepsilon$)

Balanced Combinations of Solutions in Multi-Objective Optimization

For every list of integers x_1, ..., x_m there is some j such that x_1 + ... + x_j - x_{j+1} - ... - x_m \approx 0. So the list can be nearly balanced and for this we only need one alternation between addition and subtraction. But what if the x_i are k-dimensional integer vectors? Using results from topological degree theory we show that balancing is still possible, now with k alternations. This result is useful in multi-objective optimization, as it allows a polynomial-time computable balance of two alternatives with conflicting costs. The application to two multi-objective optimization problems yields the following results: - A randomized 1/2-approximation for multi-objective maximum asymmetric traveling salesman, which improves and simplifies the best known approximation for this problem. - A deterministic 1/2-approximation for multi-objective maximum weighted satisfiability