Multi-thread integrative cooperative optimization for rich combinatorial problems

Addressing multi-attribute, ldquorichrdquo combinatorial optimization problems in a comprehensive manner presents significant methodological and computational challenges. In this paper, we present an integrative multi-thread cooperative optimization framework that can simultaneously deal with multiple dimensions of a rich problem. We present the basic concepts and detail the design and operating principles of the methodology. We illustrate the framework on a rich combinatorial problem, an extended version of the vehicle routing problem with the duration and capacity constraints as well as time windows, multiple periods and multiple depots.