Models and Algorithms for the Bin-Packing Problem with Minimum Color Fragmentation

In the bin-packing problem with minimum color fragmentation (BPPMCF), we are given a fixed number of bins and a collection of items, each associated with a size and a color, and the goal is to avoid color fragmentation by packing items with the same color within as few bins as possible. This problem emerges in areas as diverse as surgical scheduling and group event seating. We present several optimization models for the BPPMCF, including baseline integer programming formulations, alternative integer programming formulations based on two recursive decomposition strategies that utilize decision diagrams, and a branch-and-price algorithm. Using the results from an extensive computational evaluation on synthetic instances, we train a decision tree model that predicts which algorithm should be chosen to solve a given instance of the problem based on a collection of derived features. Our insights are validated through experiments on the aforementioned applications on real-world data. Summary of Contribution: In this paper, we investigate a colored variant of the bin-packing problem. We present and evaluate several exact mixed-integer programming formulations to solve the problem, including models that explore recursive decomposition strategies based on decision diagrams and a set partitioning model that we solve using branch and price. Our results show that the computational performance of the algorithms depends on features of the input data, such as the average number of items per bin. Our algorithms and featured applications suggest that the problem is of practical relevance and that instances of reasonable size can be solved efficiently.

Synthesis of quantum circuits based on incompletely specified functions and if-decision diagrams

The problem of synthesis and optimisation of logical reversible and quantum circuits from functional descriptions represented as decision diagrams is considered. It is one of the key problems being solved with the aim of creating quantum computing technology and quantum computers. A new method of stepwise transformation of the initial functional specification to a quantum circuit is proposed, which provides for the following project states: reduced ordered binary decision diagram, if-decision diagram, functional if-decision diagram, reversible circuit and quantum circuit. The novelty of the method consists in extending the Shannon and Davio expansions of a Boolean function on a single variable to the expansions of the same Boolean function on another function with obtaining decomposition products that are represented by incompletely defined Boolean functions. Uncertainty in the decomposition products gives remarkable opportunities for minimising the graph representation of the specified function. Instead of two outgoing branches of the binary diagram vertex, three outgoing branches of the if-diagram vertex are generated, which increase the level of parallelism in reversible and quantum circuits. For each transformation step, appropriate mapping rules are proposed that reduce the number of lines, gates and the depth of the reversible and quantum circuit. The comparison of new results with the results given by the known method of mapping the vertices of binary decision diagram into cascades of reversible and quantum gates shows a significant improvement in the quality of quantum circuits that are synthesised by the proposed method.