On hybridization of local search and constraint propagation

Abstract

Hybridization of local search and constraint programming techniques for solving Constraint Satisfaction Problems is generally restricted to some kind of master-slave combinations for specific classes of problems. In this paper we propose a theoretical model based on K.R. Apt's chaotic iterations for hybridization of local search and constraint propagation. Hybrid resolution can be achieved as the computation of a fixpoint of some specific reduction functions. Our framework opens up new and finer possibilities for hybridization/combination strategies. We also present some combinations of techniques such as tabu search, node and bound consistencies. Some experimental results show the interest of our model to design such hybridization. © Springer-Verlag 2004.