An iterative merging algorithm for soft rectangle packing and its extension for application of fixed-outline floorplanning of soft modules

We address an important variant of the rectangle packing problem, the soft rectangle packing problem, and explore its problem extension for the fixed-outline floorplanning with soft modules. For the soft rectangle packing problem with zero deadspace, we present an iterative merging packing algorithm that merges all the rectangles into a final composite rectangle in a bottom-up order by iteratively merging two rectangles with the least areas into a composite rectangle, and then shapes and places each pair of sibling rectangles based on the dimensions and position of their composite rectangle in an up-bottom order. We prove that the proposed algorithm can guarantee feasible layout under some conditions, which are weaker as compared with a well-known zero-dead-space packing algorithm. We then provide a deadspace distribution strategy, which can systematically assign deadspace to modules, to extend the iterative merging packing algorithm to deal with soft packing problem with deadspace. For the fixed-outline floorplanning with soft modules problem, we propose an iterative merging packing based hierarchical partitioning algorithm, which adopts a general hierarchical partitioning framework as proposed in the popular PATOMA floorplanner. The framework uses a recursive bipartitioning method to partition the original problem into a set of subproblems, where each subproblem is a soft rectangle packing problem and how to solve the subproblem plays a key role in the final efficiency of the floorplanner. Different from the PATOMA that adopts the zero-dead-space packing algorithm, we adopt our proposed iterative merging packing algorithm for the subproblems. Experiments on the IBM-HB benchmarks show that the proposed packing algorithm is more effective than the zero-dead-space packing algorithm, and experiments on the GSRC benchmarks show that our floorplanning algorithm outperforms three state-of-the-art floorplanners PATOMA, DeFer and UFO, reducing wirelength by 0.2%, 4.0% and 2.3%, respectively.     

The Parameterized Complexity of Stabbing Rectangles

The NP-complete geometric covering problem Rectangle Stabbing is defined as follows: Given a set R of axis-parallel rectangles in the plane, a set L of horizontal and vertical lines in the plane, and a positive integer k, select at most k of the lines such that every rectangle is intersected by at least one of the selected lines. While it is known that the problem can be approximated in polynomial time within a factor of two, its parameterized complexity with respect to the parameter k was open so far. Giving two fixed-parameter reductions, one from the W[1]-complete problem Multicolored Clique and one to the W[1]-complete problem Short Turing Machine Acceptance, we prove that Rectangle Stabbing is W[1]-complete with respect to the parameter k, which in particular means that there is no hope for an algorithm running in f(k)?|R∪L| ^O(1) time. Our reductions also show the W[1]-completeness of the more general problem Set Cover on instances that “almost have the consecutive-ones property”, that is, on instances whose matrix representation has at most two blocks of 1s per row. We also show that the special case of Rectangle Stabbing where all rectangles are squares of the same size is W[1]-hard. The case where the input consists of non-overlapping rectangles was open for some time and has recently been shown to be fixed-parameter tractable (Heggernes et al., Fixed-parameter algorithms for cochromatic number and disjoint rectangle stabbing, 2009). By giving an algorithm running in (2k) ^k ?|R∪L| ^O(1) time, we show that Rectangle Stabbing is fixed-parameter tractable in the still NP-hard case where both these restrictions apply, that is, in the case of disjoint squares of the same size. This algorithm is faster than the one in Heggernes et al. (Fixed-parameter algorithms for cochromatic number and disjoint rectangle stabbing, 2009) for the disjoint rectangles case. Moreover, we show fixed-parameter tractability for the restrictions where the rectangles have bounded width or height or where each horizontal line intersects only a bounded number of rectangles.     

矩形件优化排样问题的混合遗传算法求解

利用遗传算法结合剩余矩形排样法求解矩形件正交排样问题。通过遗传算法将矩形件正交排样问题转化为一个排列问题,并引入剩余矩形排样算法来惟一确定每一个排列所对应的排样图(即排样方案),两者结合用于求解矩形件排样问题。最后用此混合遗传算法对文献[1]中的两个算例进行了验证,表明了其有效性。     

Maximizing the Total Profit of Rectangles Packed into a Rectangle

We consider the following rectangle packing problem. Given a set of rectangles, each of which is associated with a profit, we are requested to pack a subset of the rectangles into a bigger rectangle so that the total profit of rectangles packed is maximized. The rectangles may not overlap. This problem is strongly NP-hard even for packing squares with identical profits. We first present a simple (3 + ε)-approximation algorithm. Then we consider a restricted version of the problem and show a (2 + ε)-approximation algorithm. This restricted problem includes the case where rotation by 90° is allowed (and is possible), and the case of packing squares. We apply a similar technique to the general problem, and get an improved algorithm with a worst-case ratio of at most 5/2 + ε. Finally, we devise a (2 + ε)-approximation algorithm for the general problem.     

Space and time optimal algorithms for a class of rectangle intersection problems

The intersection problem for a subclass of rectangles called r-rectangles is investigated and reduced to the balanced batched r(estricted)-range searching problem as well as to the balanced batched inverse r-range searching problem. Simple algorithms for these problems are given which are space and time optimal. The algorithm given for the balanced batched r-range searching problem leads to a new algorithm for the all-points ECDF problem in 2-space which is simple and optimal. Again, the balanced batched r-range searching algorithm is combined with a known algorithm for batched range searching problems, leading to a new algorithm for the rectangle intersection problem which is space and time optimal in the worst case when the given set of rectangles contains a much higher proportion of r-rectangles.     

Power-aware system-on-chip test scheduling using enhanced rectangle packing algorithm

The current semiconductor technology allows integration of all components onto a single chip called system-on-chip (SoC), which scales down the size of product and improves the performance. When a system becomes more complicated, testing process, such as test scheduling, becomes more challenging. Recently, peak power has also been considered as constraints in the test scheduling problem. Besides these constraints, some add-on techniques including pre-emption and non-consecutive test bus assignment have been introduced. The main contribution of each technique is the reduction of idling time in the test scheduling and thus reducing the total test time. This paper proposes a power-aware test scheduling called enhanced rectangle packing (ERP). In this technique, we formulate the test scheduling problem as the rectangle packing with horizontally and vertically split-able items (rectangles) which are smaller to fill up more compactly the test scheduling floor plan. Experimental results conducted on ITC’02 SoC benchmark circuits revealed positive improvement of the power-aware ERP algorithm in reducing total SoC test time.     

基于欧氏距离的矩形Packing问题的确定性启发式求解算法

使用拟人的策略,提出了基于欧氏距离的占角最大穴度优先的放置方法,为矩形Packing问题的快速求解提供了一种高效的启发式算法.算法的高效性通过应用于标准电路MCNC和GSRC得到了验证.     

基于蚁群优化算法求解矩形件排样问题

布局问题来源于生产实际,优秀的布局可以提高原料利用率,降低成本,提高经济效益,对许多行业有重要意义。矩形件优化排样是一类具有NP完全难度的组合优化问题。人工蚁群算法是对蚂蚁群体行为的模拟抽象,该算法具有分布计算、信息正反馈和启发式搜索等特点。本文将蚁群算法和剩余矩形法结合用于解决矩形排样问题,首先用蚁群算法将矩形件排样问题转化为一个排列问题;然后通过剩余矩形排样算法排出每一个排列所对应的排样图;最后用算法对文献[9]中的两个算例进行了验证,表明了其有效性。     

限制树宽图上的有界聚类

有界聚类问题源于II3M研究院开发的一个分布式流处理系统,即S系统。问题的输入是一个点赋权和边赋权的无向图,并指定若干个称为终端的顶点。称顶点集合的一个子集为一个子类。子类中所有顶点的权和加上该子类边界上所有边的权和称为该子类的费用。有界聚类问题是要得到所有顶点的一个聚类,要求每个子类的费用不超过给定预算召,每个子类至多包含一个终端,并使得所有子类的总费用最小。对于限制树宽图上的有界聚类问题,给出了拟多项式时间精确算法。利用取整的技巧对该算法进行修正,可在多项式时间之内得到(1+ε)-近似解,其中每个子类的费用不超过(1+ε)B,:是任意小的正数。如果进一步要求每个子类恰好包含一个终端,则所给算法可在多项式时间之内得到(1+ε)-近似解,其中每个子类的费用不超过(2+ε)B。     

Fuzzy shell clustering algorithms in image processing: fuzzyC-rectangular and 2-rectangular shells

Objective function-based clustering has been generalized recently to detect contours of circles and ellipses or even hyperbolas in a set of binary data vectors. Although there are special algorithms to discover lines, the detection of rectangles needs further treatment. A simple line-detection algorithm is not sufficient for rectangles since for identifying four lines as one rectangle, additional information such as the length of the lines and whether they are parallel or meet at a right angle is necessary. In this paper, a special fuzzy shell-clustering algorithm for rectangular contours is developed. The principal idea behind it can be generalized for other polygons so we also derive an algorithm that is capable of detecting rectangles and other polygons as well as approximating circles, ellipses, and lines     

Labeling points with given rectangles

In this paper, we consider the following problem: Given n pairs of a point and an axis-parallel rectangle in the plane, place each rectangle at each point in order that the point lies on the corner of the rectangle and the rectangles do not intersect. If the size of the rectangles may be enlarged or reduced at the same factor, maximize the factor. This paper generalizes the results of Formann and Wagner [Proc. 7th Annual ACM Symp. on Comput. Geometry (SoCG'91), 1991, pp. 281-288]. They considered the uniform squares case and showed that there is no polynomial time algorithm less than 2-approximation. We present a 2-approximation algorithm of the non-uniform rectangle case which runs in O(n²logn) time and takes O(n²) space. We also show that the decision problem can be solved in O(nlogn) time and space in the RAM model by transforming the problem to a simpler geometric problem.     

带静不平衡约束的正交矩形布局问题的启发式模拟退火算法*

以卫星舱布局为背景,研究一类带静不平衡约束的正交矩形布局问题.借鉴拟物策略,定义矩形与矩形、矩形与圆形容器之间的嵌入度计算公式,将该问题转变为无约束的优化问题.通过将启发式格局更新策略、基于梯度法的局部搜索机制与具有全局优化功能的模拟退火算法相结合,提出一种求解带静不平衡约束的正交矩形布局问题的启发式模拟退火算法.算法中的启发式格局更新策略产生新格局和跳坑,梯度法搜索新格局附近能量更低的格局.另外,在布局优化过程中,通过在挤压弹性势能的基础上增加静不平衡量惩罚项,并采用质心平移的方法,使布局系统的静不平衡量达到约束要求.实验表明,文中算法是一种解决带静不平衡约束的正交矩形布局问题的有效算法.     

An approximation algorithm for sequential rectangle placement

We present a constant factor, polynomial time approximation algorithm for the problem of scheduling a sequence of rectangles on a matrix. The approximation is on the area covered by the rectangles, and a rectangle is placed on the matrix only if all its preceding rectangles in the sequence were already placed.     

带平衡约束矩形布局优化问题的遗传算法

研究二维矩形布局优化问题,将多个不同重量和尺寸的矩形目标填充到一个圆形容器中,要求给出最小的容器半径,并且系统保持平衡。目前的文献多采用局部搜索方法,但布局质量有待提高。文中设计一种构造式方法——定位法。其基本思想是将一个矩形围绕另外一个已经确定位置的矩形作为参照进行部署。由于围绕着参照矩形部署时只考虑有限个可布局位置,故定位法具有多项式时间复杂性。定位法可能得到较好的布局,但其质量受到布局顺序的影响较大,因此文中提出一种基于遗传算法的布局顺序寻优算法,其中遗传算法的交叉算子和变异算子经过特别的设计,使得遗传的下一代能继续作为布局顺序。在具有大规模测试用例的测试集上的计算结果表明,该布局方法比局部搜索方法有更优良的计算性能。     

Finding best-fitted rectangle for regions using a bisection method

In this paper, we have presented a new method for computing the best-fitted rectangle for closed regions using their boundary points. The vertices of the best-fitted rectangle are computed using a bisection method starting with the upper-estimated rectangle and the under-estimated rectangle. The vertices of the upper- and under-estimated rectangles are directly computed using closed-form solutions by solving for pairs of straight lines. Starting with these two rectangles, we solve for the best-fitted rectangle iteratively using a bisection method. The algorithm stops when the areas of the fitted rectangles remain unchanged during consecutive iterations. Extensive evaluation of our algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness.     

A hybrid simulated annealing metaheuristic algorithm for the two-dimensional knapsack packing problem

The rectangle knapsack packing problem is to pack a number of rectangles into a larger stock sheet such that the total value of packed rectangles is maximized. The paper first presents a fitness strategy, which is used to determine which rectangle is to be first packed into a given position. Based on this fitness strategy, a constructive heuristic algorithm is developed to generate a solution, i.e. a given sequence of rectangles for packing. Then, a greedy strategy is used to search a better solution. At last, a simulated annealing algorithm is introduced to jump out of the local optimal trap of the greedy strategy, to find a further improved solution. Computational results on 221 rectangular packing instances show that the presented algorithm outperforms some previous algorithms on average.     

一种鲁棒性的结构未知表格分析方法

模型未知表格的分析是表格识别中文本分析阶段的一个重要且具有挑战性的问题.目前的一般方法仅能容忍表格线的微小断线.文章提出一种基于抽取表格线的分析结构未知表格的策略.利用抽取的表格线的特征知识和局部约束可以选择一些有效边.在扫描水平和垂直表格线时,如果环绕边都有效,则产生一个矩形块,引入迭代可以更好地利用全局信息并使抽取结果满足约束关系.这种矩形块的抽取可以容忍表格线大的断线或不合适的分割,可以处理诸如嵌入矩形块的复杂结构.矩形块被抽取后,表格的其他部件可以通过搜索剩余的部分来抽取.表格测试实验证明,该方法     

基于改进遗传算法的矩形件优化排样

论文利用遗传算法结合剩余矩形排样法求解矩形件正交排样问题。通过对排样问题已知解信息进行统计分析,并根据分析结果改进原遗传算法判断个体好坏的标准,对父代种群进行了优劣分类,针对不同的分类采用不同的遗传操作,构造出一种改进遗传算法。通过实例验证,该算法得到了排样问题的最优解,说明了其有效性。     

基于改进最低水平线方法与遗传算法的矩形件排样优化算法

传统的最低水平线方法用于矩形件排样时可能产生较多未被利用的空白区域,造 成不必要的材料浪费。针对此缺陷,在搜索过程中引入启发式判断,实现空白区域的填充处理, 提高板材利用率。在应用遗传算法优化矩形件排样顺序时,在进化过程中采用分阶段设置遗传 算子的方法,改善算法的搜索性能与效果。通过改进最低水平线方法与基于分阶段遗传算子的 遗传算法相结合,共同求解矩形件排样问题。排样测试数据表明,所提出的矩形件排样优化算 法能够有效改善排样效果,提高材料利用率。     

一种快速的有约束矩形件优化排样模型

为了有效地解决有约束的矩形件优化排样问题,提出一种快速的求解算法;通过比较待排样矩形件的不同排样模式,选择最优排样方案。算法完全基于解析计算,虽不能寻找理论最优解,但相比于各种启发式算法大大提高了排样速度。实验结果表明,算法能够在较短的计算时间内获得满意的排样效果,是一种效率较高的有约束矩形件排样算法。