Interactive Multiobjective Optimization Procedure

TL;DR: In this article, an interactive multiobjective optimization procedure (IMOOP) that uses an aspiration-level approach to generate Pareto points is developed, which provides the designer or the decision maker with a formal means for efficient design exploration around a given pareto point.

Abstract: This research focuses on multiobjective system design and optimization. The primary goal is to develop and test a mathematically rigorous and efficient interactive multiobjective optimization algorithm that takes into account the designer's preferences during the design process. In this research, an interactive multiobjective optimization procedure (IMOOP) that uses an aspiration-level approach to generate Pareto points is developed. This method provides the designer or the decision maker (DM) with a formal means for efficient design exploration around a given Pareto point. More specifically, the procedure provides the DM with the Pareto sensitivity information and the Pareto surface approximation at a given Pareto design for decision making and tradeoff analysis. The IMOOP has been successfully applied to two test problems. The first problem consists of a set of simple analytical expressions for its objective and constraints. The second problem is the design and sizing of a high-performance and low-cost 10-bar structure that has multiple objectives. The results indicate that the Pareto designs predicted by the Pareto surface approximation are reasonable and the performance of the second-order approximation is superior compared to that of the first-order approximation. Using this procedure a set of new aspirations that reflect the DM's preferences are easily and efficiently generated, and the new Pareto design corresponding to these aspirations is close to the aspirations themselves. This is important in that it builds the confidence of the DM in this interactive procedure for obtaining a satisfactory final Pareto design in a minimal number of iterations.