Efficient algorithms for disjoint matchings among intervals and related problems

Abstract

In this note, the problem of determining disjoint matchings in a set of intervals is investigated (two intervals can be matched if they are disjoint). Such problems find applications in schedules planning. First, we propose a new incremental algorithm to compute maximum disjoint matchings among intervals. We show that this algorithm runs in O(n) time if the intervals are given ordered in input. Additionally, a shorter algorithm is given for the case where the intervals are proper. Then, a NP-complete extension of this problem is considered: the perfect disjoint multidimensional matching problem among intervals. A sufficient condition is established for the existence of such a matching. The proof of this result yields a linear-time algorithm to compute it in this case. Besides, a greedy heuristic is shown to solve the problem in linear time for proper intervals. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.