Investigating Constraint Relationship in Evolutionary Many-Constraint Optimization

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationships between pair-wise constraints in evolutionary many-constraint optimization, proposing methods to identify and leverage these relationships to simplify complex optimization problems.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for classifying and analyzing constraint relationships, including their transitivity, to improve problem simplification in MCOPs.

Findings

Identified three types of constraint relationships: conflicting, harmonious, and independent.

Discussed methods for detecting these relationships in MCOPs.

Explored the transitivity property of constraint relationships.

Abstract

This paper contributes to the treatment of extensive constraints in evolutionary many-constraint optimization through consideration of the relationships between pair-wise constraints. In a conflicting relationship, the functional value of one constraint increases as the value in another constraint decreases. In a harmonious relationship, the improvement in one constraint is rewarded with simultaneous improvement in the other constraint. In an independent relationship, the adjustment to one constraint never affects the adjustment to the other. Based on the different features, methods for identifying constraint relationships are discussed, helping to simplify many-constraint optimization problems (MCOPs). Additionally, the transitivity of the relationships is further discussed at the aim of determining the relationship in a new pair of constraints.