On solving soft temporal constraints using SAT techniques

Abstract

In this paper, we present an algorithm for finding utilitarian optimal solutions to Simple and Disjunctive Temporal Problems with Preferences (STPPs and DTPPs) based on Benders' decomposition and adopting SAT techniques. In our approach, each temporal constraint is replaced by a Boolean indicator variable and the decomposed problem is solved by a tightly integrated STP solver and SAT solver. Several hybridization techniques that take advantage of each solver's strengths are introduced. Finally, empirical evidence is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method compared to other algorithms. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.