Interactive multiobjective optimization system WWW-NIMBUS on the Internet

NIMBUS is a multiobjective optimization method capable of solving nondifferentiable and nonconvex problems. We describe the NIMBUS algorithm and its implementation WWW-NIMBUS. To our knowledge WWW-NIMBUS is the first interactive multiobjective optimization system on the Internet. The main principles of its implementation are centralized computing and a distributed interface. Typically, the delivery and update of any software is problematic. Limited computer capacity may also be a problem. Via the Internet, there is only one version of the software to be updated and any client computer has the capabilities of a server computer. Further, the World-Wide Web (WWW) provides a graphical user interface. No special tools, compilers or software besides a WWW browser are needed. Scope and purpose Interaction between the decision maker and the solution algorithm is often necessary for finding solutions to optimization problems with several conflicting criteria. The Internet provides a versatile tool in realizing such an interaction. The Internet is easily available and sets minimal requirements to the computer facilities of the user. We describe an interactive optimization method and its implementation utilizing the Internet. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.