Projections in minimax algebra

An axiomatic theory of linear operators can be constructed for abstract spaces defined over (R, ⊕, ⊗), that is over the (extended) real numbersR with the binary operationsx ⊕ y = max (x,y) andx ⊗ y = x + y. Many of the features of conventional linear operator theory can be reproduced in this theory, although the proof techniques are quite different. Specialisation of the theory to spaces ofn-tuples provides techniques for analysing a number of well-known operational research problems, whilst specialisation to function spaces provides a natural formal framework for certain familiar problems of approximation, optimisation and duality

Complete solution of a constrained tropical optimization problem with application to location analysis

We present a multidimensional optimization problem that is formulated and solved in the tropical mathematics setting. The problem consists of minimizing a nonlinear objective function defined on vectors over an idempotent semifield by means of a conjugate transposition operator, subject to constraints in the form of linear vector inequalities. A complete direct solution to the problem under fairly general assumptions is given in a compact vector form suitable for both further analysis and practical implementation. We apply the result to solve a multidimensional minimax single facility location problem with Chebyshev distance and with inequality constraints imposed on the feasible location area.Comment: 20 pages, 3 figure

Dynamic analysis of repetitive decision-free discreteevent processes: The algebra of timed marked graphs and algorithmic issues

A model to analyze certain classes of discrete event dynamic systems is presented. Previous research on timed marked graphs is reviewed and extended. This model is useful to analyze asynchronous and repetitive production processes. In particular, applications to certain classes of flexible manufacturing systems are provided in a companion paper. Here, an algebraic representation of timed marked graphs in terms of reccurrence equations is provided. These equations are linear in a nonconventional algebra, that is described. Also, an algorithm to properly characterize the periodic behavior of repetitive production processes is descrbed. This model extends the concepts from PERT/CPM analysis to repetitive production processes.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/44155/1/10479_2005_Article_BF02248590.pd

On the coefficients of the max-algebraic characteristic polynomial and equation

summary:No polynomial algorithms are known for finding the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial and characteristic equation of a matrix in max- algebra. The following are proved: (1) The task of finding the max-algebraic characteristic polynomial for permutation matrices encoded using the lengths of their constituent cycles is NP-complete. (2) The task of finding the lowest order finite term of the max-algebraic characteristic polynomial for a $\lbrace 0,-\infty \rbrace$ matrix can be converted to the assignment problem. (3) The task of finding the max-algebraic characteristic equation of a $\lbrace 0,-\infty \rbrace$ matrix can be converted to that of finding the conventional characteristic equation for a $\lbrace 0,1\rbrace$ matrix and thus it is solvable in polynomial time

Projections in minimax algebra

An axiomatic theory of linear operators can be constructed for abstract spaces defined over (R, ⊕, ⊗), that is over the (extended) real numbersR with the binary operationsx ⊕ y = max (x,y) andx ⊗ y = x + y. Many of the features of conventional linear operator theory can be reproduced in this theory, although the proof techniques are quite different. Specialisation of the theory to spaces ofn-tuples provides techniques for analysing a number of well-known operational research problems, whilst specialisation to function spaces provides a natural formal framework for certain familiar problems of approximation, optimisation and duality

Rational algebra and MM functions

summary:MM functions, formed by finite composition of the operators min, max and translation, represent discrete-event systems involving disjunction, conjunction and delay. The paper shows how they may be formulated as homogeneous rational algebraic functions of degree one, over (max, +) algebra, and reviews the properties of such homogeneous functions, illustrated by some orbit-stability problems