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Discrete Optimisers

Mathematics is boring and serves no purpose? Wrong! Mathematicians Wiebke Höhn and Marco Lübbecke from the Institute for Mathematics at TU Berlin know that mathematics plays a key role in making our daily lives as pleasant as possible. Algorithms and models help, for example, to find better solutions: be it for the fastest route from Berlin to Munich or the shortest waiting times for busses and trains. A trip through the world of mathematics: what challenges does mathematics pose in such solutions, and why are mathematicians also artists? To project page

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Discrete Optimisers: Episode 09, 18/01/2010

Even Better than Optimum?

You can’t get better than optimum. Or can you? The discrete optimisers are looking for the best possible solution for the traffic control system of the shipping on the Kiel Canal to minimise the length of time the ships have to wait. But how do they know when to stop looking because they have already found the best possible solution? Is there a way of proving an ideal solution mathematically? "Lower bounds" and "integer programming" can help...

25.01.2010

Optimum Outcome?

The final test on the Kiel Canal. Today the discrete optimisers’ nodes and edges will be examined in exacting detail. Is everyone satisfied with the outcome?

18.01.2010

Even Better than Optimum?

How can you be certain that a good solution really is the best – and is there mathematical proof?

11.01.2010

Discrete Hotline

How can you prove a theorem and what does an algorithm looks like?

14.12.2009

Through to the Final!

Formulae, lectures and hors d'oeuvres – the discrete optimisers are in the conference mood! But the question is: will they take home the European Excellence in Practice Award?

26.10.2009

Does Theory Equal Euphoria?

Theory between euphoria and frustration. Why mathematics and a house of cards have a lot in common – especially if there are cracks…

23.09.2009

Stacking With a System

If you want to stack, take care to do it right: So, how you stack correctly. And a lot?

07.09.2009

Short, Shorter, Shortest

All roads lead to Rome, as everybody knows – but which way is the shortest? One thing is for sure – one algorithm leads to the solution.

06.08.2009

Nodes and Edges

Everything is abstract at first. Every important detail needs to be represented using an abstract model. How can a canal be described mathematically? Do nodes and edges help?

13.07.2009

Full Steam Ahead!

The Kiel Canal. Large ships are only able to pass each other at a few points along the canal and often need to wait. Good planning aims to cut the waiting times – a case for the optimisers...

30.06.2009

No Plan? Or?

The perfect plan: mathematicians use discrete optimisation to plan better. But that's no simple task: they must first translate the real problem into an abstract model and develop intelligent processes for finding the best possible solution.

15.06.2009